– Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan travels to the United States on Sunday hoping the arrest of a militant leader with a $10 million US bounty on his head and progress in Afghan peace talks will help secure a favorable reception.
Trump, a property developer turned reality TV star, and Khan, World Cup-winning captain of the Pakistan cricket team, both came to office after achieving fame away from politics and the personal chemistry between the two may be decisive. “It’s a visit which is closely being monitored by the military which is in desperate need for money,” said author and analyst Ayesha Siddiqa.
More than 160 people were killed in the four-day militant attacks. Saeed is designated a terrorist by the United States and the United Nations. As well as assurances that it is cracking down on militants, Khan is likely to stress Pakistan’s role in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table with the United States.