ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: President Gen Pervez Musharraf will take up important security and energy-related issues with US President George W. Bush during his first state visit next week.

Informed sources said on Wednesday the two leaders would have a one-to-one meeting at the Aiwan-i-Sadr followed by restricted-level talks with their respective aides, ministers and ambassadors.

A number of bilateral agreements in areas ranging from health to education to trade and investment were expected to be signed during the visit, they said.

Bilateral discussions, they said, would cover important issues of civilian nuclear technology, F-16s, cooperation on nuclear safeguards and export controls and war on terrorism.

On the regional front, the ongoing India-Pakistan peace process, particularly the Kashmir issue, would top the agenda. President Bush, who is to come straight from New Delhi, would brief President Musharraf about his discussions on the subject with top Indian leadership.

The Iran nuclear issue, the situation in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East process would also come up for discussions. In the wake of the row over the publication of blasphemous cartoons, Pakistan would also seek the US support for an international legislation to prevent the recurrence of such an act.

During his overnight stay here, President Bush will have lunch with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. President Musharraf will host a banquet for the US President.

A 150-strong media contingent would be accompanying the US President to cover his visit to Pakistan.

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...