US to press Pakistan on militants

Islamabad, 21 Jan-(ANA)-US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is in Pakistan for talks on how to combat the growing threat from militants.

Mr Gates is making his first visit to Pakistan, a key US ally, since President Obama took office last year.

The trip comes at a crucial time in the fight against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, with the US planning to send tens of thousands more troops to Afghanistan.

Talks are expected to focus on how to combat militants in Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

Correspondents say the United States would like to see Pakistan expand an offensive against Taliban fighters in the area.

Mr Gates is also expected to raise concerns that Pakistan is delaying the extension of visas of US officials. (ANA)

FA/ANA/21 January 2010-----