The Pakistani Foreign Secretary, Shamshad Ahmad Khan, has said Pakistan will press for an end to the American arms embargo when the prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, visits Washington next week.

But he said speculation that Pakistan would sign the nuclear test ban treaty in return was absolutely baseless.

Mr Ahmad said the partial lifting of sanctions against Pakistan, and America's support for renewed loans, was not enough.

He said Mr Sharif would press for the removal of all sanctions -- including those imposed years ago which prevent the export of F-16 aircraft, even though they're already paid for.