Holbrooke to arrive in Islamabad on Monday

Islamabad, Feb.8 (ANI): United States Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, will be arriving here on Monday on his maiden visit after being appointed Barack Obama's special envoy to the region.

During his four day mission, Holbrooke is expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and other top leaders.

Holbrooke's visit is being considered important as it might influence a change in Washington's strategies with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pakistan sees Holbrooke's visit as the beginning of a constructive engagement with the Obama administration, a Foreign Office statement said.

"Pakistan wants to develop a fresh perspective on regional peace and stability and counter terrorism effectively," the Daily Times quoted the statement, as saying. (ANI)