Context
The US Secretary of State is due to arrive in Pakistan on Thursday. Hillary Clinton is visiting Islamabad to smooth relations between the two countries that have been at odds after American officials accused the ISI of sponsoring terrorism in the region. According to officials, during her two days trip Clinton is expected to continue Marc Grossman’s efforts of brokering peace with the Haqqani network. Clinton is also expected to meet President Zardari, Prime Minste Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani. Bilateral cooperation and counterterrorism collaboration between the two countries will also be discussed.
Iranian President Ahmedinejad was also expected to visit Pakistan this month. However, the trip by the Iranian head of state has been postponed. Officials insist the delay in the Iranian president’s trip did not have anything to do with Clintons visit.
