US diplomat calls for action against all terror outfits ahead of Pakistan visit

A top US official called on Friday for Pakistan to take action against all extremist groups ahead of a visit to Islamabad, which has sought reconciliation with militants both at home and in Afghanistan.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will meet on October 7-8 with officials in Pakistan, which has long faced US accusations of playing a double game in Afghanistan where the Taliban swept back to power in August.

"We seek a strong partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism and we expect sustained action against all militant and terrorist groups without distinction," Sherman told reporters.

"Both of our countries have suffered terribly from the scourge of terrorism and we look forward to cooperative efforts to eliminate all regional and global terrorist threats," she said from Switzerland, her first stop on a trip that will also take her to India and Uzbekistan.

Also read: Govt is engaging with TTP factions for peace, reconciliation: PM

Pakistan points to its efforts against militants and the thousands who have died in attacks at home.

Sherman praised Pakistan's calls for an inclusive government in Afghanistan. "We look to Pakistan to play a critical role in enabling that outcome," she said.

The statement came hours after Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed that his government was in the process of dialogue with some of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) factions for “peace and reconciliation”.

In an interview with TRT World, the premier said that some groups wanted to talk to the government for peace and reconciliation. "There are different groups which form TTP and we are in talks with some of the groups," he added.

To a question regarding the help the government was getting from the Afghan Taliban, PM Imran said yes, since the talks were taking place in Afghanistan.

(With input from News Desk)