Zardari, Mush set prove their might in US

New York, Jan 4: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and his erstwhile counterpart Pervez Musharraf are expected to pay visits to the US this month.

The dates and agendas of visits would likely to be different for both the leaders, but both Zardari and Musharraf have dialogues on bilateral issues, dinners and lectures charted out in their schedules.

However, the real mission for both the Pakistani leaders is going to be a enhancement of their personal image before the US leadership with an emphasis that each one of them is the best suited for US interests in the South Asian region, The News reports.

Asif Ali Zardari will be among the first five heads of states to visit the White House after Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th US President on Jan 20.

"Some members of the Pakistani delegation and presidential staff of Zardari have been issued visas by the US embassy in Islamabad. He is likely to visit Washington in the third week of January or early February," sources said.

"His visit will be focused on Pakistan's role in combating terrorism in the newly-defined parameters of the Obama administration," the source added.

Musharraf is likely to arrive on January 12 to deliver some lectures, meet the Pakistani community and attend some dinner parties including his friend, Dr Nasim Ashraf. Musharraf may also meet some US legislators, officials of the US administration, as he was considered to be a reliable partner of the US during the past eight years. Details on the Musharraf's US visit durations are yet not available.

President-elect Obama who is considered to be cool and calculated, may convey a categorical message to 'novice to diplomacy' President Zardari regarding Pakistan's role in countering terrorism.

ANI