US Policy for Pakistan, Afghanistan still under review: State Deptt

WASHINGTON: Trump administration is still reviewing its policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan and that was the reason behind acting Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells’ recent trip to South Asia, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said on Thursday.

During a press briefing held at Foreign Press Centers for the foreign media, Nauert said that Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Ms Alice Wells traveled to India, Pakistan and Kabul on her introductory trip to the region from July 30 to August 8, where she met civilian and military leadership and discussed US relations with the region.

“Alice Wells just returned from the region, that was her first initial trip in this position in order to talk with people and learn more about some of their priorities and thoughts,” she said while responding to a question by ARY News.

When asked that what kind of discussions were held in Pakistan and Afghanistan during her trip, the State Department spokesperson claimed that she has not had a chance to sit down and talk with her (Alice Wells) but can say that the “ Afghan review policy is underway as is our Pakistan policy”.

“I do not want to get ahead of where the administration is going to come down because those conversations are still ongoing,” she added.