This is regarding the approach adopted by Col. Viet Luong, the commander of US and allied forces in the 261 km long Afghanistan border adjacent to Waziristan and Kurram Agency in Pakistan. He has asserted that cross border infiltration cannot be altogether blocked by either Pakistan or Afghanistan as it would require additional surge of troops along the border on both sides and a lot of money. To think this can happen would be completely 'nave. His statement also means that the Pakistani soldiers are the true defenders of the borders. This claim is justified by the well organized and effective 'Protect, Detect and React paradigm adopted by the Pakistani forces deployed along the border that serves to control this infiltration to a large extent. The US acknowledgement that Pakistan has hundreds of border checkpoints across, backed up by dozens of checkpoints on our side endorses the fact that more than 900 check posts on the Pakistani side, that are continuously being readjusted and modified according to the prevalent needs, allows maximum protection against the militant infiltration, thus highlighting the contribution made by Pakistan for the eradication of terrorism in the region as it is in the best interest of the entire globe. Furthermore, General Patraes has also commented on the significance of Pakistans role in the war during a year-end interview while touring NATO bases in Afghanistan. The US has realized the need to be very clear in recognizing what Pakistan has done over the course of the last 22 months, which is quite considerable, that includes impressive counterinsurgency operations while facing military losses and civilian losses during the course in the Swat Valley, the North West Frontier Province and the tribal regions. This is indicative of the fact that the contributions of Pakistan and its people play a large role in the war with a high percentage of gains to their credit in the form of dismantling terror networks and reversing the Taliban momentum in its territory. A crucial fact that needs to be known by all. DR. NIDA SHAMI, December 29.