US denies reports of Hillary lobbying for Kayani's extension

The US today denied reports in Pakistani media that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had lobbied for an extension to be granted to powerful army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during her recent visit to the country.

The US on Wednesday denied reports in Pakistani media that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had lobbied for an extension to be granted to powerful army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during her recent visit to the country.

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There have been reports that the government is mulling a proposal to grant an extension to Kayani, who is set to retire in November.

The media reports had said Clinton had "effectively lobbied" for an extension in Kayani's tenure.

A statement issued by the US embassy said that when Clinton was questioned about her views on the matter during her visit, she had replied, "This is an internal matter for Pakistan. We have not, and will not, express an opinion."

The statement said some media reports had "deliberately misrepresented US policy" and made a "baseless claim of US interference".

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said it is his prerogative to decide on the issue of extending the army chief's term.