America had “run out of patience” with Pakistan, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said during an unscheduled visit to Afghanistan.

The Pentagon Chief was speaking to troops gathered at the airport in Kabul. The comments brought to an end Panetta’s week-long trip to Asia  during which he explained the new US military strategy, which calls for a shift in strategic focus to the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are reaching the limits of our patience here, ” Panetta said.

“It is difficult to achieve peace in Afghanistan as long as there is safe haven for terrorists in Pakistan.

“It is very important for Pakistan to take steps. It is an increasing concern, the issue of safe haven.”

“..we have every responsibility to defend ourselves and… we’ve got to put pressure on Pakistan to take them on as well”.