ISLAMABAD: Counter­ing terrorist threats in the region will feature high on the agenda of the prime minister’s two-day visit to Uzbekistan, starting from Tuesday.

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan on Nov 17-18,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Newly appointed Adviser on National Security retired Lt Gen Nasser Khan Janjua is in prime minister’s delegation which also includes his special assistants on foreign affairs and aviation.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan share concerns over the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and the emergence of the self-styled Islamic State (IS) there.

Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, a terrorist group that once had sanctuaries in Pakistan and is now operating from Afghanistan, is a major concern for Tashkent. The group is now aligned with IS. “The two leaders will also review the evolving regional peace and security scenario and discuss ways in which the two countries could work together and better coordinate to confront terrorist threats in the region,” a spokesman said.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2015