Boucher comes to end PPP-'N' differences: Gilani rules out talks with militants

ISLAMABAD - With an aim at keeping Pakistan’s ruling coalition intact, the senior US diplomat Richard Boucher arrived here on Monday on a four-day visit during which he will try to help end differences between Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) over the thorny issue of judges’ restoration.

The US Assistant Secretary of State called on Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani soon after his arrival here and discussed with him in detail the current political situation, the ongoing operation in Khyber agency against the militants and various other aspects of war on terror.

“The Bush administration believes that the political instability in Pakistan, mainly because of judges’ issue is badly impacting its major ally’s efforts aimed at curbing militancy and Boucher talked on this in detail with the Prime Minister,” said an official here requesting for anonymity.

The US official would visit Lahore today (Tuesday) to meet there with PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif and discussed the same issues with him while asking for continuity for the ruling alliance in months and years to come as it would help achieve the objectives set for war against terrorism, the official said. He said that the American diplomat would also meet Governor Punjab Salman Taseer.

On his return to Islamabad from Lahore, Boucher would call on President Pervez Musharraf and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday (tomorrow), he said.

The US official is visiting Pakistan at a critical time when the security forces have launched offensive in Khyber Agency against the militant organisations like Lashkar-e-Islam led by Mangal Bagh, an influential commander blamed for several kidnappings in and around Peshawar including that of 16 Christians a few days ago.

“Apart from political issues, the terrorism related matters would be discussed in detail during the talks between US diplomat and Pakistani leaders. It is most likely that Boucher would demand more action from Pakistan in the rest of tribal belt where Washington believes that Taliban and al-Qaeda have found safe havens,” the official said.

Meanwhile, an official statement issued here said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in his meeting with the US diplomat said, “Pakistan greatly values its relationship with the US and is keen to strengthen these ties in political, economic, defence and security fields.”