Pakistan Seeks Role in US-Afghan Policy

A top Pakistani official says his country wants a role in helping the U.S. shape a new policy for Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says the U.S. should take Pakistan into "confidence" as it reviews its new policy. He also says stability in Afghanistan is vital for his country.

The prime minister commented Wednesday after meeting in Islamabad with a U.S. congressional delegation led by House of Representatives member John Tierney, a Democrat from Massachusetts.

Tierney chairs a national security and foreign affairs subcommittee.

The meeting comes as U.S. President Barack Obama considers whether to increase U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan by as much as 40,000. The White House says Mr. Obama is considering four options for Afghanistan and is discussing the proposals with his national security team on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Times says Mr. Gilani also wants the U.S. and NATO-led forces in Afghanistan to enhance intelligence sharing with Pakistan in order to strengthen efforts to fight militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border.

The U.S. delegation is on a week-long trip through the region to strengthen bilateral relations.