WASHINGTON, Aug 4 (Saba) -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton affirmed on Wednesday that Pakistan can look for the United States for support to face the challenges of violence and natural disaster, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

"I have been to Pakistan a number of times, and I have seen firsthand the strength and resilience of the people of Pakistan. They have the capacity to come through this challenge and swiftly rebuild. And as they do, they can look to the United States for our support," said Clinton in a press briefing. "Last weeks flash floods, the worst in more than 80 years, have affected some three million Pakistanis nationwide.

An estimated 1,500 people have lost their lives, but many more are missing. Thousands are trapped and hundreds of thousands require emergency assistance," she added.

New flood warnings have been issued in Pakistan after last week downpours that affected 3.2 million people and killed up to 1,500 in northwest of the country and central province in Punjab.

In addition, the Pakistani paramilitary commander Sifwat Ghayur was killed in a suicide bomb attack earlier today in the northwestern city of Peshawar while three other people were also killed and 10 injured in the same attack.

"Violence like this is abhorrent at any time, but especially at this time of crisis for the Pakistani people. And I want to convey the condolences of the American people to the Pakistani people on behalf of everything they are confronting," said Clinton.

She noted that the United States is responding to the flood crisis in a number of ways by committing USD 10 million in aid, deploying humanitarian relief experts, US helicopters delivering supplies and food, and boats to help with the search and rescue. "All of this has been done in close coordination with the Government of Pakistan and their disaster management specialists.

This represents just the start of our efforts. We will continue to help Pakistan in the days and weeks ahead," affirmed Clinton. "We have been working hard over the past year to build a partnership with the people of Pakistan and this is an essential element of that partnership; reaching out and helping each other in times of need," she added.

Saba