U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrived in Islamabad Thursday night to meet senior Pakistani officials to discuss bilateral and regional issues. The situation in Afghanistan is likely to dominate the discussions.

She is the most senior U.S. diplomat to visit Pakistan nation since President Joe Biden took over the office in 2021.

On Friday she met National Security Adviser Dr Mooed Yusuf in which he pressed on the need for the global community to engage with the interim government in Afghanistan.

Geo also reported that the two officials discussed bilateral issues as well as opportunities in economics and trade.

Prior to visit

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Asim Iftikhar was quoted by VOA News as saying “views will be exchanged on all issues of mutual interest, including the bilateral relationship, as well as the regional situation” in meetings with the American delegation.

“We look forward to reinforcing a balanced Pak-U.S. relationship that is anchored in mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, including security, trade, investment, energy and regional connectivity,” he said.

Sherman arrived from India where she met with high level officials and businessmen.

There are tensions in Islamabad with the relationship with United States especially after a group of 22 Republican senators in September introduced legislation to impose sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan and on any foreign government that assisted them -- with a spotlight on Pakistan and what role it played, if any, in supporting Taliban's return to power.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi took strong exception to this move saying it was an attempt "to pass the buck."

Imran Khan and his government have stressed the need for an inclusive and peaceful resolution to the Afghanistan situation following US troops withdrawal.

“Scapegoating Pakistan would be overlooking ground realities," Qureshi said. "And [the US] have to understand that a partnership with Pakistan is required in the future, as well, to achieve stability in Afghanistan and the region."

Prior to arriving Thursday night, Sherman tweeted her condolences upon hearing about the devastating earthquake in Balochistan.