Pakistan expects a longer-term partnership, not a transaction, with the United States as two democracies, Islamabads envoy in Washington said, speaking of the countrys ongoing fight against militants and its resolve to move forward as a force for economic progress and stability in the region. Ambassador Husain Haqqani told Washingtons Rumi Forum Pakistan expects continued U.S. assistance as the country deals with economic and security challenges confronting it and tries to solve disputes with India. With sustained investments of time and money in the key economic and education areas, Haqqani believed Pakistan can become a model, modern, Muslim country. The envoy explained to the gathering that Pakistan was transforming from an authoritarian culture to a democratic culture. The country can overcome militancy challenges in the long-tem perspective through education and develop into an economically and politically sound country to the benefit of the entire region. Pakistan, he said, has the potential and talent to move toward entrepreneurship and offer economic opportunities to its people but it needs continued support of its international friends. The ambassador touched on some of the challenges facing the region and stressed Pakistan must go from the Crossroads of Conflict to the Crossroads of Opportunity. Pakistan is the country where Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East all meet, he pointed out, citing the tremendous economic and trade potential, his strategically located country offers. Islamabad is moving strongly against insurgents in its northwestern and tribal areas along its Afghan border, Haqqani said. But, he reminded, ultimately the fight against terrorism can only be won through a comprehensive approach and not just through military means. The multifaceted anti-terror approach would include political, economic, and educational reforms, he added.