The US today asked Pakistan to eliminate Taliban safe havens along the Af-Pak border, to save both the countries from more lethal and brazen attacks. Arriving on a crucial visit to Islamabad, US defence secretary Robert Gates said, it is important to remember that the Pakistani Taliban operates in collusion with both the Taliban in Afghanistan and Al-Qaeda and it is impossible to separate these groups. Writing in the Pak Newspaper, The News, Mr Gates said, there is a link between Afghanistan's stability and Pakistan's stability. His comments come as Islamabad has mounted a big military campaign against Pakistani Taliban faction, but resisted US pressure to attack other Taliban groups like the powerful Haqqani network, who do not attack Pakistan but cross the border to fight US and NATO troops in Afghanistan. US defence secretary said, only by pressuring all of these groups on both sides of the border will Afghanistan and Pakistan be able to rid themselves of this scourge for good. He praised the military offensive launched against the Taliban in recent months. Apparently referring to trust deficit between Washington and Islamabad, Mr Gates said that US wanted to relinquish grievances of the past held by both sides. Though he said US wants Pakistan to broaden its offensive to border areas where Afghan Taliban have been seeking refuge, the Defence Secretary said he won't directly press Islamabad to expand its military campaign, but only ask what its military plans are. Reassuring that US is committed for a long haul in the region, he said US wanted a long term, strategic partnership with a democratic Pakistan.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Pakistani intelligence has directed law enforcement agencies to step up security across Punjab province to avert possible attacks by militants in retaliation of increased US drone strikes in Wazirsitan tribal belt. Geo News Channel quoting unnamed sources said, at least four Arab and Uzbek terrorists have been sent to Punjab to carry out attacks and trigger riots and panic in the province. Punjab's Home Department has directed law enforcement agencies, including police and paramilitary Pakistan Rangers, to make foolproof security arrangements to thwart any possible attack. The home department also fears that the terrorists might target oil depots and key bridges in the province. Law enforcement agencies were alerted that the terrorists might use explosive devices made with fertilizers, oil and ball bearings or explosives-laden cycles and cars for their attacks.<br/>