Pakistan needs help in fighting terrorism: US

WASHINGTON: As Pakistan was rocked by the terror attack on its police academy in Lahore, the United States said the country needs its help and that of the international community in fighting terrorism successfully.

The latest terrorist attack on police academy on the outskirts of Lahore is an attack on Pakistan's institutions, State Department Acting Deputy spokesman Gordon Duguid told reporters.

"I think the one thing that is evident is that Pakistan needs our help and international support in fighting terrorism that is trying to attack -- not just police structures at this time but really the Pakistani government -- this is an attack on Pakistan's institutions," Duguid said in response to a question.

"The Pakistani people and the Pakistani government need our assistance, and we stand ready to help them if we are able," he said.

Referring to the latest terrorist attack, Duguid said: "Our assessment has immediately been done on behalf of our US staff who are in Lahore.”