Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday said that broad-based and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the US is important for peace, prosperity and development in the region.
The prime minister was talking to United States’ Senator Lindsey Graham who called on him here. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also present in the meeting, the PM Office said in a press release.
The prime minister, while emphasizing the value of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan’s development, said that Pakistan will continue to play its facilitating role in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. He urged Senator Graham to keep playing his role in the transformation of the relationship, particularly through deepening and intensifying bilateral economic cooperation.
The prime minister apprised Senator Graham of the continuing Indian atrocities in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK). He also drew the senator’s attention towards the Indian government’s discriminatory policies against minorities, and called for continued US focus to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability in the region.
Senator Graham is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and senior member of the Armed Services, Appropriations and Budget Committees of the US Senate.
It was his second visit to Pakistan during this year.
Senator Graham thanked the prime minister for Pakistan’s consistent support in the Afghan peace process. He reiterated his desire for a broader bilateral relationship with particular focus on economic cooperation, enhanced market access and increased investments. He appreciated Pakistan’s achievements in mainstreaming the tribal areas through development work. He also commended Pakistan on border fencing initiative.
Meanwhile, Senator Graham met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.
Senator Graham and General Bajwa discussed the matters of mutual interest as well as reconciliation process in Afghanistan. The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and stability.
