Hillary, Zardari discuss aid, visas for contractors

Both leaders discussed the Pak-US relations in the context of the war on terror and the strain put on the ties in anticipation of aid cut. The two also discussed the situation in Afghanistan.They reportedly dilated on the recent talks between Pakistan and India and its positive effects on the overall situation in the region. The issue of visas for American officials, diplomats and contractors was also taken up.The relations between the two countries have been strained since the unilateral American action in Abbottabad to kill Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Since then a spate of accusations and clarifications have dragged the bilateral ties to the lowest in years.Hillary recently lambasted the Republican move to clear a bill that seeks restrictions on aid to Pakistan. She said Pakistan’s efforts and America’s foreign relations leverage would be badly jeopardised by such a move.