Wells sees Pak-US ties towards trade-based coop.

Byline: Salman Masood

ISLAMABAD -- Alice G. Wells, the Acting US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, said Monday that she was looking to take the relationship between Pakistan and the United States to a 'trade based rather than an aid based cooperation.'

The remarks resonated with a longstanding desire of Pakistani officials, especially Prime Minister Imran Khan. Mr. Khan, during a visit to the United States last year, had said that he wants a 'dignified relationship' with America that is not constrained by the compulsions of aid. Pakistan and the US currently have a $6.6 billion annual bilateral trade relationship.

Ambassador Wells, who is on a four-day visit to Pakistan, made these remarks Monday evening at a dinner reception hosted by former Senator Enver Beg. The dinner reception was attended by several retired generals, diplomats, and prominent journalists.

The senior US diplomat also appreciated Pakistan's role in the ongoing peace talks in neighbouring Afghanistan and said that 'Pakistan and United States have seen unprecedented cooperation in the context of Afghan peace talks.'

Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has played a vital role in the Afghan peace process and reiterated on several occasions that peace in Afghanistan is very important for Pakistan and the country would continue its efforts to bring peace and stability in the region.

The Taliban have recently agreed to a reduction in violence, and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi last week had said that the announcement by the group was an essential step towards a peace agreement in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Wells arrived in Islamabad Sunday after a visit to India and Sri Lanka and spent a busy day yesterday meeting with senior officials in Islamabad. She met with Abdul Razak Dawood, the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister for Commerce, Textile, Industry and Production, and Investment. Mr. Dawood...