ISLAMABAD - The US Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke on Friday said that the United States respected the sovereignty of Pakistan but none of Pakistani officials had raised with him the issue of drone attacks in the tribal areas. Addressing a news conference here before concluding his three-day visit to Pakistan that also took him to IDPs camps in Swabi and Mardan, the American envoy said not a single Pakistani official or any one from the civil society in Pakistan talked to him about drone attacks in the tribal areas. Holbrooke said this when he was asked about the widespread resentment among the Pakistani ruling circles and common people over the repeated drone attacks in the tribal areas on alleged militants hideouts. He ruled out the possibility of arrival of US troops in Pakistan and said it was the responsibility of Pakistani security forces to tackle the problem of militancy and extremism in Pakistan. To a question, the US representative expressed his satisfaction over the ongoing military operation in Swat, Buner and Dir. He also said that his country would respect the 'red lines drawn by Pakistan in the war against terror. The US forces will not enter into the territory of Pakistan and will respect its sovereignty and integrity. Pakistani security forces are responsible to take action against terrorists on their soil, he said. He acknowledged the progress made by security forces in the ongoing Swat offensive, saying they had cleared several key areas including Mingora and Buner. US has seen seriousness and dedication in Pakistan Army for this military operation, he said. Responding to a query, he agreed with the notion that proposed US military surge in Afghanistan could have spill over effects in Pakistan. The US and ISAF forces in Afghanistan, operating close to border with Pakistan, would take this issue into account, he said, adding it would be ensured that Pakistani security forces were made aware of what military actions were undergoing on the Afghan side so that they could take preventive measures. He said the new US military commander in Afghanistan would examine the issue carefully while both Pakistan and US were fully aware of the issue and had close contacts on it. In reply to a query, he said the term 'Af-Pak didnt mean equating the second largest Muslim state with Afghanistan. He said, It only underlines what happens in the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan which cannot be separated. When asked about the financing of the Taliban, Holbrooke said it could come from a variety of sources including support from individuals and organisations in the Gulf region and the poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. On media reports about Nato weapons recovered from the Taliban during the recent military operation in Swat, he said that all kinds of weapons were available in the black market. Holbrooke also said the Obama administration would explore ways to lessen the financial pressures on its key ally Pakistan. He said that he saw Islamabad firmly committed to return of millions of displaced people back to their hometowns in Malakand division where sustained anti-Taliban drive was going on. He said Pakistani authorities had asked for financial relief that could be in the form of easing of debt payments or writing off loans to help meet the colossal challenge of looking after people displaced in the wake of military operation in Swat and other areas. He also said that he saw a turning of corner in Pakistan due to marked change in public attitude towards militancy and strong anti-Taliban military action. He said he had seen tremendous change in Pakistan, as there was now greater consensus on the issue of terrorism and extremism. To another question he said the issue of IDPs had serious and greater dimensions including their rehabilitation that required billions of dollars. He said the world community would again be called upon to do its part to support Pakistan in this regard. So far only the United States was providing about two-thirds assistance for the IDPs and the world community would have to share the responsibility, he said. During his three-day visit to Pakistan, the US Envoy met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, ISI Chief General Shujaa Pasha and others. APP adds: US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke called on Advisor to PM on Finance and Economic Affairs Shaukat Tarin here on Friday. Shaukat Tarin gave a detailed briefing about the state of Pakistans economy and the governments plans for economic development of the country. Ambassador Holbrooke showed keen interest in the development initiatives taken by the government. Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs Ms Hina Rabbani Khar and US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Anne W Patterson were also present in the meeting.