First strategic dialogue between US, Pakistan today

Washington: The United States and Pakistan begin their first strategic dialogue on Wednesday.

Top US Senator John Kerry welcomed Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to the Capitol, along with Pakistan's Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and ISI chief Shuja Pasha.

This is the first time the Pakistani Army and the ISI are participating in a dialogue with the United States. New Delhi will be keenly watching the developments of the day-long dialogue.

Pakistan has submitted a 56-page wishlist to Washington. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan is very clear about what it wants:

• Pakistani wants "shoot-and-kill" drones being used by the United States to target militants, closely-held technology that Washington is reluctant to share.
• More help on water and energy as Pakistan struggles with daily power cuts across the country
• Pakistan is also interested in a civilian nuclear arrangement with Washington, much like India has
• Another area Pakistan wants to cover in the talks this week is India's growing role in Afghanistan

The 56-page document, set to be discussed in talks in Washington during the two-day meet, covers a range of demands.

The Pentagon, meanwhile, has played down the chance of any big announcement of fresh aid.

"This is a dialogue designed to produce a better long-term strategic relationship between our two countries. This is not simply about asking and receiving items," said the Pentagon press secretary.