US official visits Pakistan following military aid cut

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells on Monday acknowledged Pakistan's role against terrorism in the region and conveyed Washington's desire to work with Islamabad for bringing stability in Afghanistan, the Pakistan Foreign Office said.

Wells arrived in the capital Monday morning and met Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua along with top civil and military officials who are part of the National Security Council. She was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Islamabad David Hale.

Wells is the first high-ranking U.S. official to visit Pakistan after U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial tweet and suspension of a $225-million military aid.

She acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in eradicating terrorism and conveyed the U.S. desire to work with Pakistan in furthering the shared objectives of stabilizing Afghanistan, said a statement issued from Pakistan's Foreign Office.

Pakistan’s support was critical to the success of the U.S. strategy for Afghanistan, she said, according to the statement.

Janjua said the two countries should move forward their relationship under an environment of mutual trust and respect.

Pakistan also expressed concerns on the continued use of Afghan soil by elements hostile to Pakistan's stability.

On Jan.1 Trump in a tweet accused Pakistan of playing a "double game" and providing sanctuaries to Taliban factions fighting American troops in neighboring Afghanistan. The tweet was followed by an aid cut -- which escalated tensions between the two allies in the U.S.-led war on terror.