WASHINGTON: Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby on Friday said the sanctuary that some terrorist groups enjoy in Pakistan has long been an issue of concern for the United States, adding that the subject has long been a topic of discussion between the American and Pakistani leadership.

During a press briefing at the Pentagon on Friday, Kirby added that terrorists hiding in Pakistan and militancy in the region were common challenges facing the two countries.

He further said that it was imperative to keep in mind that the Pakistani people are victims of terrorism "just like the people in Paris are this week".

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In response to a question regarding the US helping Pakistan as well as "putting pressure" on the government on the other hand, the press secretary interjected that terrorism was a shared threat and America would continue to maintain interest in helping Pakistan overcome this threat.

"It's not about us putting pressure on the Pakistani government," said Kirby. "It's about the Pakistani government continuing to address this threat in keeping with their best interests and the interests of their people."

Kirby also mentioned that cooperation with Pakistan is persistently improving, and the US would continue to help Islamabad in dealing with this challenge.

"It's a common threat, a common challenge that we all have to continue to work on together and to look for ways to improve that cooperation," Kirby added.

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