Tom-Donilon-AP-670
National Security Adviser Tom Donilon speaks during the daily news briefing at the White House in Washingotn, Thursday, May 17, 2012. - Photo by AP

WASHINGTON: The White House says the US and Pakistan has decided to ''reach a conclusion'' to their standoff over Pakistan's blockade of a key supply route.

But National Security Adviser Tom Donilon says it's unclear whether a deal can be reached before this weekend's Nato summit in Chicago.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has accepted an invitation to attend the summit, a signal that Pakistan will re-open the supply lines after a six-month blockade.

But with an agreement still not finalized, Donilon says there are no plans for President Barack Obama to meet separately at the summit with Zardari.

Pakistan closed its Afghan border to Nato supplies in November in retaliation for American airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. The route is used to get supplies to coalition troops in Afghanistan.

Opinion

Editorial

On unstable ground
Updated 06 Mar, 2026

On unstable ground

PAKISTAN’S economic managers repeatedly tout improvements in macroeconomic indicators, including rising foreign...
Divide et impera
06 Mar, 2026

Divide et impera

AS if the high loss of life in Iran, regional escalation and economic turbulence caused by the US-Israeli aggression...
New approach needed
06 Mar, 2026

New approach needed

WITH one World Cup campaign ending in despair, Pakistan began to plan for the start of the cycle of another by...
Collective wisdom
05 Mar, 2026

Collective wisdom

IN times like these, when war is raging in the neighbourhood, it is important for the state to bring on board all...
Economic impact
Updated 05 Mar, 2026

Economic impact

The Iran-linked instability highlights the fact that Pakistan’s macroeconomic resilience remains fragile.
Shrouds of innocence
05 Mar, 2026

Shrouds of innocence

TWO-and-a-half years of relentless slaughtering of Palestinian children, with complete impunity and in the most...