WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday met United States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry during his scheduled official visit to the US and informed him of the Indian involvement in unrest in FATA and Balochistan. Kerry praised Pakistan’s role for the security situation in the region. Reportedly, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has also handed over the documents comprising evidence of Indian involvement in unrest in Pakistan to the US officials.
According to details, the meeting between PM Nawaz and John Kerry took place at Blair House and both leaders exchanged views in details over promotion of bilateral relations and affairs. PM Nawaz informed Kerry of steps taken by Pakistan for promotion of peace in the region along with the points he raised in his speech to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. The issue of border violation by India and involvement in Balochistan and Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) was also raised in the meeting.
Praising Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region, Kerry said the success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb is a testimony to the pro-peace policy of Pakistan.
He also reiterated the determination of stability between Pak-US economic ties and assured of every possible economic cooperation. The Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) also met PM Nawaz at the Blair House. PM Nawaz told Christine Lagarde of Pakistan’s economic reforms and agenda for development. Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Special Adviser Tariq Fatmi were also present on the occasion.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in the United States (US) on Tuesday where he received a spectacular red carpet welcome upon his arrival.
The meeting with the president Obama among other key meetings is scheduled to take place on Thursday.He will also take part in a business forum led by Pak-US Business Council. PM Nawaz will meet Vice President Biden on Thursday 22nd of October at the breakfast table. The PM will then have an important meeting with the US President on the same day at 11:00 AM in the White House. PM Nawaz’s schedule then includes a meeting with US Senate Arm s Service Committee’s Chairman Senator McCain and finally will join the US Minister for Defense for dinner. Lastly, PM Nawaz will meet US correspondents and senior editors at breakfast time on the final day of his visit.
According to details, PM Nawaz was welcomed by officials from the Pakistani High Commission in the US including Pakistan’s permanent representative in United Nations Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani along with spouse, and officials from the US state department.
Accompanying PM Nawaz were the first lady Mrs Kulsoom Nawaz, Prime Minister’s daughter Maryam Nawaz, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar among others. Talking to the media in London before leaving for New York, PM Nawaz said that no compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear assets is possible. He said that national interest of the country is the top priority of the government.Agencies
