Senior Trump official in Pakistan for talks with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says Pakistan and the United States have reiterated their “firm commitments” to act against all militant groups that target Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The ministry’s statement on Thursday says both sides, during a meeting between visiting U.S. acting Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Pakistan’s foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua, agreed to continue bilateral engagements at all levels.

The visit came days after Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi travelled to the United States on an unannounced visit, later described as a private one, and during which he met with U.S. officials in an effort to improve ties with Washington.

U.S. officials have long accused Pakistan of harbouring militant groups that carry out attacks in Afghanistan.

Pakistan denies the charge, saying it targets militants without discrimination.