Wells in Pakistan before possible US-Taliban deal

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): A top US diplomat is currently in Pakistan.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells flew into Islamabad from New Delhi, where she held talks with senior Indian officials.

Wells is scheduled to have a flurry of meetings with foreign, interior and finance ministry officials. She would also meet security bosses in Islamabad, the Foreign Office said.

Her meetings are expected to focus on an imminent peace deal between Taliban and the US. The Taliban have vowed to reduce the level of violence to pave the way for the signing of the peace deal.

If the deal is seal, several senior US officials could visit Islamabad to acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts. Wells is expected to discuss the possible high-profile visits with her Pakistani interlocutors.

Tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi and the situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) may also figure at her meetings with Pakistani officials.

Pakistan may seek America’s help in getting off the FATF grey list. A meeting of FATF on reviewing Pakistan’s compliance with its action plan will be held in Beijing on Tuesday.

mud