Pak has potential to be stabilising force: Clapper

Pakistan, under Nawaz Sharif's leadership, has the potential to be a stabilising force in the region, US intelligence chief said.

"Pakistan has the potential to be a stabilizing force, particularly with the new administration there. I think that that is their instinct, and they would like to be," the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing.

Responding to a question, Clapper said, "One imperative, of course, for the Pakistanis always is their primary concern, which is India," he said.

The CIA Director, John Brennen, praised Pakistan for its role in war against terrorism.

Clapper also said the core of al-Qaeda still remains in the tribal areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan.