US nudges Pak to 'confront' terror in all its forms

The US on Monday asked Pakistan to "confront" terrorism in all its forms as America's National Security Adviser held talks with the top civilian and military leadership here during an unannounced visit, the first by a top Trump administration official to this country.

US National Security Adviser (NSA) H R McMaster, who arrived here earlier in the day, held talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.

"McMaster expressed appreciation for Pakistan's democratic and economic development, and stressed the need to confront terrorism in all its forms," said a US Embassy statement on McMaster's meeting with the top civilian and military leadership here.

The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, it said.

During McMaster's call on, Sharif, while talking about Indo-Pak ties, reiterated his "firm conviction" to sustained dialogue and meaningful engagement as the only way forward to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, a Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement said.

Sharif welcomed President Trump's willingness to help India and Pakistan resolve their differences particularly on Kashmir.