Qureshi rushes back to US to convey concerns over Kerry Lugar Bill

Islamabad, Oct.12 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has dashed down to the United States for an emergency visit to convey Islamabad's objections over the 'stern' clauses attached in the Kerry Lugar Bill.

"It is an unscheduled visit during which the foreign minister will definitely discuss the bill," sources privy to the Foreign Office said.

Sources said following a top-level meeting, which included President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, Zardari asked Qureshi to rush back to Washington to request President Obama not to sign the Kerry Lugar Bill in its present form.

It may be noted that Qureshi, earlier, was summoned back to Pakistan from the US following the Army's objection over some of the controversial terms and conditions of the bill.

Meanwhile, Gilani called on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other senior leaders of several political parties on to brief them on his government's stance on the bill, The Dawn reports. (ANI)