Official expects a boost in Pak-US ties

The exchange of pleasantries between Pakistan and the new US administration over extradition of the wanted ISIS commander to Washington would help boost diplomatic ties, a federal government official said on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump personally thanked Pakistan for the arrest and extradition of ISIS commander, who was a mastermind of Kabul Airport attack. "The development is a breakthrough in cementing the ties between Pakistan and US," the official said.

After Trump's message, US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz made a telephonic contact with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and both sides agreed to foster bilateral relations.

The official said it was the beginning of the formal diplomatic contacts between Pakistan and the Trump administration.

The official said Pakistan would further talks on all matter with the US on balanced and equal level as per the foreign policy. Diplomatic circles hoped that the high-level personalities of the both countries would engage in bilateral talks.

They expected that the foreign ministries of the both countries would discuss a schedule of meetings.

The officials of both countries are likely to discuss eradication of terrorism, trade relations and other matters.