Nawaz Sharif seeks civil-nuclear technology from China

Prime Minister-designate Nawaz Sharif on Thursday sought civil nuclear technology to overcome Pakistan's energy crisis during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Sharif called on Li at a hotel in Islamabad this morning and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in different fields. He focussed on civil nuclear technology, trade and foreign investment during his talks with Li, Geo News channel quoted its sources as saying. The PML-N chief said China had invested in Pakistani nuclear projects in the past and should provide more cooperation to help the country overcome its energy crisis, the channel reported. Premier Li, who is here on a two-day official visit to Pakistan as part of a four-nation trip, congratulated Sharif on his party's victory in the general election. He expressed good wishes for the new government of Pakistan. Sharif expressed the hope that the two countries will continue working together for the mutual benefit of their people. The meeting was attended by former Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, PML-N leaders Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Ishaq Dar, and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani. Too early to comment on Taliban's peace talk offer: US The US has said it is too early to comment on Pakistani Taliban's peace talks offer to Prime Minister-designate Nawaz Sharif. "It would be premature for us to comment on any potential negotiations," a State Department spokesperson said when asked about peace talks offered by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan which is at war with the country's government. "The United States and Pakistan continue to have a vital, shared strategic interest in the fight against terrorism. We are working closely together to act against violent extremist groups that target both countries and deny them safe haven, and pursue a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region," said the State Department spokesperson. Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), which won the recently held general elections, Sharif is all set to be sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. "All options should be tried, and guns are not a solution to all problems. Why shouldn't we sit and talk, engage in dialogue?" Sharif was quoted as saying by the local media. The banned Taliban had offered peace talks to the previous Pakistan Peoples Party-led government and named Sharif as one of three politicians who could act as guarantors for the process.