Rex Tillerson ramps up pressure on Pakistan

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has added to pressure on Pakistan to rein in its alleged support of the Taliban in Afghanistan, which Pakistani officials deny.

Tillerson's comments came the day after Donald Trump unveiled plans to commit more troops and remain in Afghanistan to "fight to win" the 16-year-old war.

"The US is a key ally of Pakistan," which "enjoys a special status as a non-Nato alliance partner and receives billions of dollars in aid," the BBC says.

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Tillerson said the level of support "could be on the table for discussion if in fact they are unwilling to change their posture or change their approach to how they are dealing with the numerous terrorist organisations that find safe haven in Pakistan".

He "made clear his main goal is peace talks" in Afghanistan, reports Fairfax Media, and he said "he believed there were 'moderate elements' within the Taliban that are ready and want to help chart a path forward".

The Washington Post says the Secretary of State's peace-seeking approach was very different to the "victory at all costs" tone of Trump's speech on Monday.

"It's almost as if they aren't even working together on this," the paper says. "It's almost as if Trump's top aides are completely uncomfortable with his tendency to over-promise, especially when it comes to what many have labelled a quagmire."