US NSA Rice to visit Pakistan today

US National Security Adviser Susan Rice is expected to pay a day-long visit to Pakistan tomorrow for discussions on various bilateral and regional issues, officials said here today.Rice is expected to hold important talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over a host of issues. Sharif’s proposed trip to the US in October will also be part of the talks.

Rice would also meet army chief General Raheel Sharif to discuss defence ties and regional situation including the status of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

The visit coincides with rising tensions between Pakistan and India along the loC.The US has been urging the two countries to sort out their differences through peaceful means after Pakistan called off NSA-level talks set for August 23 when India made it clear that discussions on Kashmir and a meeting with separatists will not be acceptable.