Islamabad, Jan 8: The US appears to be "intrusive" in Pakistan's internal affairs because it is the largest donor to the country, American Ambassador Cameron Munter has said against the backdrop of fresh strains in the ties between the two countries.
 "We appear to be intrusive because we care, we are the largest donor. Our aid comes as outright grant of assistance which is different from loans," Munter said during a lecture organised by a think tank here yesterday.
 "Yes we are demanding," he said.
 Munter acknowledged that the US had been "bluntly" saying what Pakistan needs to do but such calls came with "a measure of respect."
 He reiterated the American administration's demands for Pakistan to broaden the tax base, improve revenue generation, flush out militants and expel international terrorists.
 The deep involvement of American diplomats and leaders in Pakistan's domestic politics came to light with the release of secret US diplomatic cables by the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks.
 Munter's candid remarks took the audience at yesterday's lecture by surprise.
 The envoy also said the US would "continue to be this way" while defending human rights, including the rights of women.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST