ISLAMABAD: The United States on Saturday urged Pakistan and India to join hands in order to fight terrorism and said it encouraged dialogue in forums like SAARC regarding counter-terrorism efforts.

Talking to newsmen, a spokesperson of US State Department Mark Toner, said that terrorism is a reality in both the countries and they need to work together to confront it effectively.  

Responding to a question, Toner said that US believes that Pakistan has taken and is taking steps to counter terrorism and violence to maintain peace in the region.

He said the Pakistan military has shut down safe havens of terrorists and has restored government control to parts of the country that were used as terrorist safe havens.

He said we will continue to provide assistance to Pakistan in security field.