Islamabad sojourn: Kerry likely to arrive today, say officials

US secretary of state will review progress in strategic dialogue achieved so far


Kamran Yousaf January 12, 2015
The US Secretary of State John Kerry addressing the Vibrant Gujarat in India on Sunday. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to arrive here today (Monday) for a crucial round of strategic dialogue with Pakistan in the wake of the drawdown of foreign forces from Afghanistan.

Although neither Washington nor Islamabad issued an official announcement regarding Kerry’s visit, seemingly due to security reasons, official sources confirmed that the secretary of state will reach the Pakistani capital today (Monday) evening. Kerry is expected to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif the same day.



Kerry is visiting Islamabad for the strategic dialogue initiated by the Obama administration in an effort to advance bilateral cooperation with Pakistan beyond what is often seen as mainly the security-driven relationship. Under the strategic dialogue, there are several working groups on energy, counter-terrorism and trade and economic cooperation.

The strategic dialogue in Islamabad will review progress achieved so far during the working groups. The talks are seen as important as this will indicate the nature of cooperation between the two countries in coming years after the US formally ended its 13-year-long and hard combat mission in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has often expressed fears that the US may repeat the mistake of 1989 when it left the region in mess. The US has time and again assured that it has learnt from its mistakes and will not abandon the region.

During his stay, Kerry is also expected to meet army chief General Raheel Sharif to discuss the current regional security situation. He is likely to visit the Army Public School in Peshawar to show solidarity with Pakistan following the barbaric attack last month as well.

The US secretary of state will be coming straight from India and ongoing tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi will certainly be a key talking point. A senior Pakistani official told The Express Tribune that Islamabad will brief Kerry about the worsening situation and its possible implications for the ongoing military offensive in the tribal areas.

“Our message for Secretary Kerry will be: (1) Indian aggression is distracting us from the ongoing war on terror, (2) Pakistan wants peace with India but with dignity and, (3) don’t mess with Pakistan,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Tensions between Pakistan and India are showing no signs of de-escalation due to sporadic clashes between the security forces of two countries along the Line of Control and the working boundary.

The two nuclear-armed neighbors have recently engaged in war of words over the US move to approve civilian and military assistance for Pakistan, certifying that the country was doing enough against militant outfits.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2015.

COMMENTS (18)

Samrat | 9 years ago | Reply

@devendersingh, No need to get hyper bro. AVMPolpot was just being sarcastic. He's an Indian, not a Pakistani. just take it easy. don't get fired up in nationalism ^_^

Peshawar kid | 9 years ago | Reply

@Siraj Ahmed US has developed strong relationship with Taliban & that has created problems for certain quarters. Taliban are joining Afghan Govt & therefore US job done. I am afraid no more money for wheat procurement assistance. Lets see if empty threats can work out what is expected of Mr. Kerry.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ