February 12, 2009	Thursday	Safar 16, 1430

PESHAWAR: US special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke made an extensive aerial visit of the tribal region and Swat on Wednesday.

In Peshawar, according to security officials, Mr Holbrooke met NWFP Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani, Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti and Corps Commander Lt-Gen Masood Aslam.

They said the diplomat flew over South and North Waziristan and other parts of the tribal area and Swat. A security official said he was briefed on the existing security situation and what needed to be done.

AFP adds: “Mr Holbrooke travelled to Mohmand tribal region by helicopter, where senior military officials briefed him about ongoing military operations in the area,” a military official said.

During his meeting with the governor, the US diplomat discussed cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in the war on terror, an official said.

“Mr Ghani also briefed Mr Holbrooke about the ongoing military operation and development projects that the government has launched in the tribal region.”

The US envoy later flew to Lahore, where he was expected to meet Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif and business leaders.