Tom-Donilon-AP-670
National Security Adviser Tom Donilon speaks during the daily news briefing at the White House in Washingotn, Thursday, May 17, 2012. - Photo by AP

WASHINGTON: The White House says the US and Pakistan has decided to ''reach a conclusion'' to their standoff over Pakistan's blockade of a key supply route.

But National Security Adviser Tom Donilon says it's unclear whether a deal can be reached before this weekend's Nato summit in Chicago.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has accepted an invitation to attend the summit, a signal that Pakistan will re-open the supply lines after a six-month blockade.

But with an agreement still not finalized, Donilon says there are no plans for President Barack Obama to meet separately at the summit with Zardari.

Pakistan closed its Afghan border to Nato supplies in November in retaliation for American airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. The route is used to get supplies to coalition troops in Afghanistan.

Opinion

Editorial

Barren reforms
17 Jul, 2026

Barren reforms

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assertion that agriculture and livestock hold the key to Pakistan’s quick...
Dumbing down?
17 Jul, 2026

Dumbing down?

THE awesome power of generative AI has raised concerns in academic and scientific circles about the impact the...
Eyeing the Margallas
17 Jul, 2026

Eyeing the Margallas

AS Pakistan battles a variety of climate crises, state institutions must do all possible to defend critical...
AJK violence
Updated 16 Jul, 2026

AJK violence

Violent confrontations have claimed some 30 lives of both security personnel and protesters since last month.
Deadly lapses
16 Jul, 2026

Deadly lapses

PAKISTAN has investigated too many HIV outbreaks over the past decade to still be surprised by the causes. The ...
Doomed tax initiative
16 Jul, 2026

Doomed tax initiative

THE FBR’s draft simplified tax regime for small shopkeepers is the latest in a long line of attempts to persuade...