Karzai to visit Islamabad on Thursday

Islamabad, Feb. 18 (ANI): Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai will visit Islamabad for top-level talks on Thursday, the Pakistan's Foreign Ministry stated on Wednesday.

"I can confirm that Mr. Karzai is coming to Pakistan on a short visit tomorrow (Thursday). Mr. Karzai will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani," foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Basit was quoted by The Dawn, as saying.

Karzai is expected to talk about strengthening diplomatic ties with Islamabad.

"It is part of our democratic government's efforts to enhance our relations with Afghanistan in all areas," Basit said.

Karzai's visit comes in the backdrop of the United States planning to review its policy in dealing with Islamist extremists in South Asia.

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have been invited to contribute to the review.

US President Barack Obama has decided to send 17,000 more troops to fight against Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan and to defend porous Pakistan borders.

Afghanistan and US have accused Pakistan of not doing enough to eradicate extremist 'safe havens' used by Taliban and Al-Qaeda . (ANI)