ISLAMABAD, May 6: Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider left for Washington on Monday to discuss the war on terror with US officials, a spokesman said.

“The visit is in the context of the current situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing cooperation against terrorism,” an interior ministry spokesman told AFP.

During his four-day stay the minister would meet senior officials, including US Attorney General John Ashcroft.

The talks would focus on the situation along the western border and Pakistan’s efforts to prevent Al Qaeda and Taliban extremists escaping from Afghanistan across the rugged frontier.

Press reports said the minister would discuss the possibility of acquiring surveillance helicopters.

The United States has promised assistance for extra-vigilence along the border, where small numbers of US troops are already helping Pakistani forces track down suspected terrorist leaders.—AFP