WASHINGTON, 02 October 2021, (TON): A top US official called for Pakistan to take action against all extremist groups ahead of a visit to Islamabad, which has sought reconciliation with militants both at home and in Afghanistan.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will meet with Pakistani officials during her October 7-8 visit.

Sherman told reporters “we seek a strong partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism and we expect sustained action against all militant and terrorist groups without distinction.”

“Both of our countries have suffered terribly from the scourge of terrorism and we look forward to cooperative efforts to eliminate all regional and global terrorist threats,” she said from Switzerland, her first stop on a trip that will also take her to India and Uzbekistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, a longtime critic of US military campaigns, said in an interview aired on Friday that the government had opened talks with some groups of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) about laying down their arms.

He told Turkey's TRT World television “Some of the Pakistani Taliban groups actually want to talk to our government for some peace, for some reconciliation.”

He said “the discussions were taking place in Afghanistan with sections of the TTP, which has waged years of deadly attacks.”

The premier said “I repeat, I do not believe in military solutions.”

Prime Minister Imran has encouraged the world to engage Afghanistan's Taliban and provide economic support, although he has stopped short of backing recognition, a step opposed by the United States.

Sherman praised Pakistan's calls for an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

She said “we look to Pakistan to play a critical role in enabling that outcome.”