US statement on Imran-Pompeo talks over terrorism 'contrary to the facts': Qureshi

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi today said the US State Department's statement that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the issue of terrorism with newly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan was "contrary to the facts".

He said that the telephonic conversation between Khan and Pompeo were "very good" and the US Secretary of State expressed his desire to have a "constructive engagement with the new government".

Pompeo, who is expected to visit Pakistan on September 5, yesterday spoke to Khan for the first time after the cricketer-turned-politician assumed office last week and sought "decisive action" against all terrorists operating in Pakistan, the US State Department said in the statement.

Addressing the media, following Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's maiden visit to the Foreign Office during which he was briefed about the country's foreign policy, Qureshi said: "The statement issued by the State Department is contrary to the facts."
Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that "Pakistan takes exception to the factually incorrect statement issued by the US State Department on today's phone call between Prime Minister Khan and Secretary Pompeo."