Acting United States Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Alice Wells' scheduled trip to Pakistan has been postponed, the US Embassy in Pakistan confirmed on Sunday.

Wells was set to visit Islamabad on August 28 to discuss "cooperation in the region", said a US State Department media note.

The trip was postponed at the request of the Government of Pakistan, US Embassy spokesman Rick Sinelsine told DawnNews via email.

The new date of the visit is not confirmed, he said, adding that the trip has been "postponed until a mutually convenient time."

The development surfaced at a time when relations between the two countries are already tense after the US President Donald Trump, delivering a speech on Afghanistan policy, accused Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorists. Islamabad strongly rejected Trump's accusation and is currently busy discussing the new US policy with China, Russia, and Turkey.

A day after Trump accused Pakistan of duplicity, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had warned Pakistan that it could lose its status as a privileged military ally if it continues giving 'safe haven' to Afghan militant groups.

Tillerson had claimed that Washington has "leverage" over Pakistan, "a non-Nato ally" that has been receiving US aid.

US Ambassador David Hale held separate meetings with Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa to brief them on the new policy.

"We are not looking for any material or financial assistance from the US, but trust, understanding and [an] acknowledgment of our contributions," the COAS had told Hale.

Opinion

Editorial

System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....
Time to deliver
Updated 11 Nov, 2024

Time to deliver

Pakistan must display a serious commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation at home.
Smaller government
11 Nov, 2024

Smaller government

THE IMF bailout programme has put the government under pressure to curtail its spending, especially current...
Unsafe inheritance
11 Nov, 2024

Unsafe inheritance

DESPITE regulations, the troubling practice of robbing women of their rightful inheritance — the culprits are ...