US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Thursday spoke to Pakistan’s new PM Imran Khan and sought “decisive action” against all terrorists operating in the country. The US has long been frustrated with Pakistan’s overt and covert support to the Afghan Taliban and other terror groups, forcing the Trump administration to warn Islamabad and slash military aid to the country.

State department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement that Pompeo, in his talks with Khan, also discussed Pakistan’s vital role in promoting the peace process in wartorn Afghanistan. “Secretary Michael R Pompeo spoke today with Pakistani PM Imran Khan and wished him success. Secretary Pompeo expressed his willingness to work with the new government towards a productive bilateral relationship,” she said in the statement.

Pompeo raised the importance of Pakistan taking “decisive action” against all terrorists operating in Pakistan and its vital role in promoting the Afghan peace process, she said.

The media this week reported that Pompeo is likely to visit Islamabad in the first week of September to hold talks with PM Khan. Pompeo, who is expected in Islamabad on September 5, would be the first foreign dignitary to meet Khan. PTI

Courtesy: Times of India: 24 Aug 2018