Pakistan's involvement with terrorism came under a double-barrel attack from two departments of the United States, State and Defence, reflecting Washington's continued frustration with Islamabad's destablising role. The US Defence Secretary said that Pakistan needs a "historic shift" to stop sheltering terrorists targeting India, Afghanistan and American military personnel.

Meanwhile, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner opened another front saying: "We have consistently expressed our concerns to the highest level-levels of the government of Pakistan - about their continued tolerance for Afghan Taliban groups such as the Haqqani Network operating from Pakistan soil." Toner was answering a reporter's question at the department's briefing about the stinging criticism of Pakistan's terrorism policy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the recent Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar.

He said: "We continue to encourage the government of Pakistan to and Afghanistan, rather - both governments to cooperate in their counterterrorism operations and efforts because that's only going to contribute to regional stability."

"It's important that Pakistan not continue to offer or provide a place for those who destabilise Afghanistan, as well as those who threaten American service members in Afghanistan and other coalition service members; or who support terrorist groups, including those that target India," he said.

With inputs from IANS.