BOSTON (CBS) – The Unite States, its shaky relationship with Pakistan, and the war in Afghanistan were some of the prime topics at a town hall meeting at Faneuil Hall on Saturday hosted by Senator John Kerry.

Senator Kerry told people they’re holding hearings on the U.S.’s role in Afghanistan and how long it makes sense to stay there.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Mark Katic reports

“I want those troops home. And I don’t want them engaged in some broad-based nation-building effort that’s not going to work and which is way beyond the mission we need to engage in, in order to protect the security of the United States,” said Kerry.

Kerry is heading to Afghanistan on Thursday.

The senator also said it’s understandable to question whether Pakistan knew Osama Bin Laden was hiding in their country, but also acknowledges their role in fighting Al-Qaida.

Kerry did not say whether he would be visiting Pakistan during his trip.