Khar in Britain; to meet Clinton and Hague

Islamabad, Feb 20: Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar has embarked on an official visit to Britain, where she is expected to hold an unpublicised meeting with US secretary of state Hillary Clinton in a bid to place bilateral ties on an even keel.

Khar, who left for a four-day visit to Britain yesterday, is scheduled to hold talks with her British counterpart and other officials. Reports said she was expected to ask British leaders to use their influence with the US to end drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

Pakistan's high commissioner in London, Wajid Shamsul Hassan, had recently called on Prime Minister David Cameron to condemn drone attacks and help stop them.

Foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said all issues would be discussed during Khar’s visit.

"When we will begin talks, every issue will come under discussion. We will definitely express our reservations over it (drone attacks)," Basit told the media.

Khar's visit will focus on a dialogue on "enhanced strategic" relations between Pakistan and Britain and on strengthening bilateral cooperation in economy, trade and education.

Khar is expected to hold a quiet and unpublicised meeting with US secretary of state Clinton in London on February 23, The News daily quoted its sources as saying.

Pakistan's ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman, is expected to join the meeting, the report said.

PTI