Islamabad, March 16 (IANS) Pakistan Tuesday urged the US to provide it civilian nuclear technology to help the country overcome its energy crisis and also bridge the trust deficit between the two countries.

President Asif Ali Zardari made the demand at a meeting with the visiting US Director of National Intelligence, Dennis C. Blair, here.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said Zardari maintained that the provision of civilian nuclear technology would go a long way in addressing misconceptions about the US in Pakistan.

Babar said the president stressed the need for working out a counter-terrorism strategy within the agreed parameters and creating an effective intelligence sharing mechanism between the two countries, Online news agency reported.

The president also called on the US to strengthen and enhance the counter-terrorism capabilities of Pakistan's security apparatus by providing timely assistance and the necessary tools and equipment.

Zardari also urged early transfer of US drone technology to Pakistan for its effective use by this country's own security forces and for its wider public acceptability.

'US drone attacks on our soil infringe upon Pakistan's sovereignty,' Babar quoted the president as saying.

Discussing the regional situation, the president said Pakistan has legitimate interests in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and welcomes international assistance for this.

Zardari also expressed reservations over the new screening regime for Pakistani nationals at US airports and called for its review as it had created resentment in the country and led to doubts and misgivings among the people'.