The US paid the first instalment of its earthquake reconstruction aid to Pakistan on Saturday, a move considered central to reversing the anti-US sentiments that are spreading in the country.

"This . . . is a reflection of the co-operative relationship that has developed between our two countries over the years and which we are committed to continuing to expand" said Nicholas Burns, the US undersecretary of state for political affairs, in Islamabad. The payment of $15m (€12m, £8.5m) was part of the $510m pledged by Washington for earthquake-related relief work in Pakistan.