Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called upon the United States to assist Pakistan in civilian nuclear technology to help the country overcome its energy crisis and bridge the trust deficit between the two countries, presidential spokesman said.

Zardari, in a meeting with Director of U.S. National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair, also called upon the U.S. administration for early transfer of drone technology to Pakistan for its effective use by Pakistani security forces and for its wider public acceptability, spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.

Babar briefed media that the president said that provision of civilian nuclear technology would go a long way in addressing misperception about the U.S. in Pakistan.

The U.S. drone attacks on Pakistan's soils, not only infringe upon Pakistan sovereignty but also undermine the national consensus against the war on militancy, he said.

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

Babar said that the president stressed the need for working on counter-terrorism strategy within the agreed parameters and creating an effective intelligence sharing mechanism between the two countries.

The president also called upon the U.S. to strengthen and enhance counter terrorism capabilities of the Pakistan security apparatus through provision of timely assistance and necessary tools and equipment.

Dennis Blair appreciated the Government of Pakistan and its security forces for their struggle against militancy and reiterated the U.S. administration commitment to work closely with Pakistan in this regard, the spokesman said.