Jim mattis to visit Pakistan next week

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis will visit Pakistan next week as part of a four-nation tour during which he is expected to pressure Islamabad to do more against militant groups.

During the tour, Mr. Mattis will visit Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and Kuwait to re-affirm the enduring U.S.’ commitment to partnerships in the Middle East, West Africa and South Asia, the Pentagon



said.

Mr. Mattis would reach Pakistan on December 4, the second such trip after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his South Asia strategy on August 21. Mr. Trump while announcing the strategy had criticised Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorists.

Pakistan denies sheltering the militants, and the issue has emerged as a major irritant to bilateral ties.