U.S. Releases Aid Ahead Of Sharif Visit

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (file photo)

The U.S. has released more than $1.6 billion in aid to Pakistan as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif begins a visit to Washington on October 20.

Pakistan's military and economic aid was suspended after relations with Washington deteriorated following the May 2011 raid that killed Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan.

Sharif is expected to meet with Secretary of State John Kerry, ahead of talks on October 23 at the White House with President Barack Obama. Those talks are expected to focus on Pakistani assistance in efforts for a settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan, where U.S. troops are due to withdraw by the end of next year.

Sharif is also expected to raise concerns about U.S. drone missile strikes against Islamist militants in Pakistani territory.

Based on reports by AFP and AP