Pakistan's civilian government may complete its full term: US

WASHINGTON: Pakistan's current civilian government may complete its full term as the nation's powerful army is not inclined to stage a coup, a top American intelligence official has said.

"The history has been that we've never had an administration that saw the completion of its whole term. I am moderately optimistic that this one may succeed, despite all its current challenges and the court proceeding that's going on there now," Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told the US Congress.

The top American intelligence official's estimation comes as no civilian government on Pakistan has been able to complete its full term.

Clapper said his review was based on reports that present Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani is not inclined to a military coup as he is very sensitive to the independence of the military.

"I don't think it's the inclination of the current army leadership, specifically General Kayani, who I think is very sensitive to the independence of the military and not doing that," he said in response to a question from Senator Mark Udall at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Udall asked the likelihood of another military coup in Pakistan over the next year to two years.

Clapper said the Pakistani government is in the throes of kind of re-examining its relationship with the United States.

"Perhaps a reset, if I can use that term, of just what the relationship will be with the United States. That's a subject their parliament is going to take up. And so we'll await the outcome of that," he said.

Responding to questions, Clapper said Pakistanis, via the ISI, would want to maintain visibility and influence.

"I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say they would insist on dominance, but they certainly want to have insight and influence in Afghanistan, particularly in a post 2014 context -- remembering that their primary interest is India," he said.

Clapper said Pakistan, despite having capabilities, does not have intentions to take on the Haqqani network.

"The Pakistani army has within its capabilities -- and in light of its other obligations -- has done a lot in the FATA and has lost a lot of soldiers in that process," he said.

"I don't -- I don't think so," Clapper said, when Senator Levin asked: "My question, though, is whether they have the intention to take steps to stop the Haqqanis."

Clapper said the US needs to be always vigilant to prevent a recurrence or regeneration of al-Qaeda leadership, centering its planning and operational planning from the safe haven in Pakistan.