PM Imran Khan's visit not yet confirmed by White House: US State Dept

A week after the Foreign Office had announced that Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit the United States on July 22, the US Department of State on Wednesday has said that there is no confirmation by the White House of a visit of the premier this month.

Addressing a press briefing US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said the White House has not confirmed a meeting between President Donald Trump and PM Khan. She further said although she had read reports of the prime minister visiting the US, there was no confirmation to her knowledge by the White House.

"I know that I have read the same reports that you have, but I would reach out to the White House to confirm or not confirm that visit, but that’s – we don’t have anything to announce here from the State Department," the spokesperson added.

Soon after the statement by Ortagus, FO Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal took to his Twitter handle and cautioned against speculation about the premier's visit. He also wrote that Pakistan is in close contact with the US over PM's visit to Washington.

"As per practice, formal announcements are made at the appropriate time," the spokesperson added

On July 4, FO spokesperson had announced that the premier will be visiting the US on July 22. The spokesperson had also said that the premier was visiting Washington on the invitation of President Trump.