Can Pak's internal rift hold up against US pressure?

New Delhi: After a clumsy acknowledgement of Ajmal Kasab’s, the lone captive of the Mumbai terror attacks, nationality, Pakistan appeared to take another step forward with the ISI within the week, responding to India on the 26/11 dossier through the CIA.

Pakistan prime minister Yousaf Gilani said, “A 52-page dossier on the evidence relating to the 26/11 attacks was given to the CIA by India and the ISI has shared the information with the CIA and has been passed on to India.”

Meanwhile, visiting US vice president elect Joe Biden extracted a promise from Pakistani Asif Ali Zardari to root out terrorism, promising in return more military and economic aid.

In Washington, Biden's congressional colleague warned the Pakistan army and ISI to break its nexus with the jihadis.

In Delhi, The Bush administration promised it would work nonstop to bring the 26/11 conspirators to justice and to shut down the terror camps

Senior US diplomat Richard Boucher said that the conspiracy of 26/11 attacks was hatched in Pakistani soil.

However, there remain concerns over how Pakistan's internal contradictions will hold up against Washington's pressure?

Gilani on Friday denied a rift with Zardari over the sacking of the National Security Advisor, but went on to take what some would see as a pro Pakistan Army Chief Ashfaq Kiyani line when he described the situation on the border with India as fragile.

Gilani is on a high after sacking his NSA, but for how long? Because the American pressure and President Zardari may ensure that his tenure is shortlived.