Pakistan's army is "fighting bravely" against terrorism, the top-ranking U.S. military officer said after a visit to the country to discuss joint efforts against the Taliban and al-Qaida. The statement from Adm. Mike Mullen came despite concern voiced by U.S. government officials that Pakistan's cease-fire and peace talks with militants in its tribal regions will give hard-liners time and space to plan more attacks. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Pakistan army remained committed to combating terrorism. Mullen said Pakistani paramilitary forces - supposed to take the lead in securing the lawless tribal belt along the Afghan border - were making "strides." The U.S. government has offered to train and equip the force to improve its counterinsurgency skills, though the program has yet to get under way. "There is much work yet to do, of course, and the United States military stands ready to assist in any way the Pakistani government finds appropriate," said Mullen, who left Pakistan on Wednesday.