Negroponte to visit Pak to discuss political situation

US Deputy Secretary Of State John Negroponte is all set to fly to Islamabad on a three-day visit from September 10 to 12 to discuss the uncertain political situation in Pakistan.

Washington, Aug 16 : US Deputy Secretary Of State John Negroponte is all set to fly to Islamabad on a three-day visit from September 10 to 12 to discuss the uncertain political situation in Pakistan.

Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher is already in Islamabad on his fourth visit there this year.

The Bush Administration is no longer sure how long the current power-holders in Islamabad will remain in a position to call the shots, the Daily Times reported.

Benazir-Musharraf power sharing pact or the "living arrangement" that the US favours is looking less likely after the reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

Further, the petition of Sharifs' in the Supreme Court seeking orders to return to Pakistan, which would all but sabotage the Musharraf-Benazir power-sharing arrangement.

Benazir has been in New York for over a week and has summoned some of her close aides for "consultations", sources said.

Sources said that Benazir looks "worried and uncertain about the future", and she is no longer upbeat over deal with Musharraf.

ANI