With the start of American withdrawal from Afghanistan, the engagements between various stakeholders have been rising, following which the British Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Secretary William Hague will reach Islamabad today (Wednesday).
During his visit to Pakistan, the British secretary of state will hold talks with the top Pakistani military and civilian leadership to discuss the post-US Afghanistan scenario, engagements with Taliban and other militant groups, establishing peace and stability of Afghanistan, and measures to curb terrorism from the region.
Hague will also meet Sartaj Aziz, adviser to the PM on National Security, and both leaders will address a joint press stakeout at the Foreign Office.
Pakistan will brief Hague on concerns related to drone strikes and share for Pashtuns in the coming Afghan régime, whereas Hague will reiterate the British stance to urge Pakistan to ‘do more’ in ending the terrorism and extremism in order to bring peace and stability inside Afghanistan and the tribal agencies of Pakistan.
During engagements between both sides, the issues of intelligence sharing, promoting coordination during operations against terrorists, cross border terrorism, illegal drugs trade and smuggling would also be part of the agenda.