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Holbrooke arrives in Pakistan

Richard Holbrooke

ISLAMABAD: Richard Holbrooke arrived on his first visit here as U.S. President Barack Obama's Special Representative to Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday, promising to listen and learn about the "ground realities" in this country and review American policy towards it.

He will report back with his findings to President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Mr. Holbrooke said in a statement released by the U.S. embassy.

"As President Obama's and Secretary of State Clinton's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, I am here to listen and learn the ground realities of this critically important country," he said.

"The United States looks forward to reviewing our policies and renewing our commitment and friendship with the people of Pakistan."

Mr. Holbrooke's engagements include meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Pakistan's military leadership, and representatives of civil society and the private sector. He leaves here on Thursday.

Earlier, Pakistan said the U.S. special envoy's visit was an opportunity to begin thinking of a new "holistic" strategy to deal with terrorism and militancy for peace and stability in the region.

In a statement welcoming Mr. Holbrooke, the Foreign Ministry said the country looked forward to the "beginning of a process of constructive engagement" with the U.S., and to "further broadening and deepening" bilateral co-operation.

"It is Pakistan's endeavour to develop a fresh perspective on issues of peace, security, stability and the development of the region and in particular address the issues of militancy, terrorism and extremism effectively by adopting a comprehensive and holistic strategy," the Foreign Ministry said.

PTI reports from Washington:

Mr. Holbrooke will discuss the Mumbai attacks with top Indian leadership when he visits New Delhi later this week, State Department officials said on Monday.

He will be taking up the issue in New Delhi because several American nationals were killed in the attacks.

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