Islamabad, Aug 19 - The US Congress is working on a number of initiatives to help Pakistan build a robust economy, the Online news agency reported Wednesday.

'The expansion of the US embassy in Islamabad reflects the added focus of our relations with Pakistan,' said Judith McHale, under secretary for public diplomacy affairs, in a radio interview.

'United States considers Pakistan as its critical ally and is focusing on promoting people to people contacts and committed to extend support to Pakistan in overcoming its challenges,' said McHale, who is on an official visit to the country.

McHale said President Barak Obama has termed this relationship as a new beginning as America has embarked upon a new strategy of enhancing its relation with the rest of the world through promoting peoples' diplomacy.