Pentagon seeks new Afghanistan supply routes

Underscoring the importance of Pakistan, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the US relied on supply routes through Pakistan for 80 per cent of the cargo, and 40 per cent of the fuel, brought into Afghanistan.

Gen Cartwright told the Senate Armed Services Committee that it would be “challenging to sustain our presence” without Pakistani logistics support.

The development of alternative routes also comes after a Russian warning that it might bar Nato aircraft from its airspace because of criticism of its actions in the conflict with Georgia.