Pakistan could lose billions

Pakistan says the crisis in Afghanistan could cost it up to $2.5bn.

The Pakistani Finance minister, Shaukat Aziz, told the American Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Alan Larson, that Pakistan was not looking for rewards for its cooperation with the US-led campaign, but that it was hoping for debt relief.

Mr Aziz said the crisis in Afghanistan had already led to a reduction in Pakistani exports and a drop in consumer confidence.

Mr Larson assured him that US support for Pakistan was a long-term commitment.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service