The US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke will reach Islamabad, here today (Monday) to have extensive consultation with top leadership of the country. The visit with reference to the newly evolved strategy of US towards Afghanistan and Pakistan after G-20 and Nato summit would be of great significance.
President Obamas strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan includes a pledge to deploy more troops to defeat al Qaida militants and their allies and a greater emphasis on regional diplomacy and economic development as well. It is also to be noted that delegates of some 80 countries welcomed the new anti-Taliban strategy and pledged their support at an international conference on Afghanistan, held earlier this month. Holbrooke is supposed to have an exclusive meeting with former Premier and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif scheduled at the residence of US ambassador Anne W. Patterson.
It would be Nawaz Shairfs second meeting with the US special envoy as Holbrooke had visited PML-N chief in Raiwind and had a detailed discussion on regional issues. Holbrooke would also convey the changed approach to leadership pertaining to the issues of the region.