US to set up new Af-Pak support office

Obama on Wednesday issued an executive order regarding establishment of a separate Pakistan and Afghanistan Support Office (PASO) in the State Department.

The office would be performing the specific project of supporting executive departments and agencies in strengthening governments in militancy-infested Afghanistan and Pakistan, enhancing the capacity of those governments to resist extremists and maintaining an effective US diplomatic presence in both countries.

Obama clarified that PASO would be headed by an official of the director level and would be a temporary organisation within the State Department. The office would support executive departments and agencies in efforts to enhance civilian control in Pakistan.