By KUNA,
Islamabad : The focus of Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raaza Gilani’s visit to the US will be the war against terrorism and increased violence in the bordering areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan by so-called “elements” trained in Pakistan.
Official sources told KUNA that the visit would also help remove misunderstandings between the two sides and clarify the new government’s position with regard to counter-terrorism strategies.
The new civilian government has taken several concrete and constructive measures to curb rising militancy in the northern frontier province and its spread to other parts of the country, said a senior security official from Peshawar, the capital of North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), while requesting to remain anonymous.
The official said that despite recent emboldened moves by militants to take control of the agencies and then of Peshawar, the situation would soon be brought under control.
Meanwhile, press reports said that the prime minister may have to face tough questions about Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism, as well as demands for action against militants.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking in Australia on Friday, stressed on Pakistan had to do more to curb the flow of militants that were fuelling the Afghan insurgency.
Also, Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq, said that border violations and the build-up of NATO forces along the Pak-Afghan border was a serious matter and the issue would top the premier’s agenda.
He said the visit would also help remove certain misunderstandings, adding that the economic, defence and technical relations between the two countries would also gain further momentum.