WASHINGTON: U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, described the situation of Pakistan and Afghanistan similar to Vietnam.

“Pakistan in not a failed state,” he said, adding that delay in approval of aid for Pakistan would benefit the American enemies.

Holbrooke said whatever happens in Afghanistan also affects Pakistan.

The US envoy said it was "absolutely critical" to the war effort, despite the risk that the Taliban and al Qaeda will be driven further into Pakistan.

"We're aware of the consequence," he said.

Holbrooke argued that Pakistan's new democracy needs increased funding for building roads, combating poverty and capacity-building in the country.

Holbrooke also stressed the need for improved counterinsurgency training for the Pakistani Frontier Corps that fights in the tribal areas on the border with Afghanistan. And he said that U.S. funds will go toward "seriously upgrading" the weaponry of the Frontier Corps.

Holbrooke acknowledged that the U.S. is encouraging Pakistan to move more troops to its Western border.