PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Photo: File  

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the country?s top security body will be held today to prepare a strategy in response to US President Donald Trump?s new policy for the region.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will chair a meeting of the National Security Committee around 11am.

The meeting will be attended by senior civil and military officials, including the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, services chiefs, ministers of defence and interior.

This will be the newly-elected premier's second NSC meeting since taking charge. The first was chaired by the premier on August 16 and focused on Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, unprovoked cross-border firing and killings after Independence Day celebrations were held in the occupied valley.

Abbasi on Wednesday also dashed to Saudi Arabia for a day-long visit following Trump?s policy speech, and held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. 

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Trump announced his strategy for the region on Tuesday, harshly criticising Pakistan for providing a safe haven to "agents of chaos". Trump cleared the way for the deployment of thousands more US troops to Afghanistan, backtracking from his promise to rapidly end America's longest war, while pillorying ally Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday, US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ.

Ambassador Hale said the US values Pakistan's role in the war against terror and is seeking cooperation from Pakistan to resolve the Afghan issue.

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Laying emphasis that peace in Afghanistan was important for Pakistan as for any other country, the army chief said Pakistan has done a lot towards that end and shall keep on doing its best; not to appease anyone but in line with Pakistan's national interest and national policy.

Gen Bajwa said Pakistan is not looking for any material or financial assistance from the United States but rather trust, understanding and acknowledgment of its contributions.