Tillerson to talk tough to Pak on terror safe havens

Tillerson's crucial visit to Islamabad tomorrow, aimed at normalising bilateral ties, comes days after he made a major policy speech on America's growing strategic relations with India and US President Donald Trump's move to offer a bigger say for India in war-torn Afghanistan.

Islamabad needed to "take a clear-eyed view of the situation that they are confronted with in terms of the number of terrorist organisations that find safe haven inside" the country, Tillerson told reporters in Kabul where he paid a surprise visit.

"We want to work closely (with) Pakistan to create a more stable and secure Pakistan as well," he said.

On the eve of his maiden visit here, Pakistani media reported that policymakers have put together an agenda for talks with Tillerson.

Tillerson is visiting Pakistan on invitation of Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

Earlier this month, Asif, who recently toured the US, said in a television interview that Pakistan has offered the United States a joint operation against terrorists on its soil. However, he later clarified that he never said Pakistan could allow foreign boots on ground.