Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday arrived in Washington for his three-day visit to meet President Donald Trump. This is the first time the two top generals are accompanying a prime minister in the White House.
While Mr Khan will hold talks with Trump on July 22, Qamar Javed Bajwa will meet defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan, the new chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Mark Milley and other senior officials during his visit to Pentagon.
Mr Khan is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday.
Mr Khan will stay at the residence of Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US.
In a bid to cut down on expenses, Mr Khan traveled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight. He also made a stopover at in Doha, where he was hosted by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.
During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of “Naya Pakistan” and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States.
“PM Khan’s visit will also highlight Pakistan’s policy of “peaceful neighborhood” aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond,” Mr Khan’s political party added.
The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to USD 1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harboring terrorists on its soil.
In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody.
