US senator discusses ties, regional situation with PM

Islamabad: United States’ Senator Lindsey Graham called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Monday and discussed bilateral matters and regional situation including Afghan and Kashmir issues.

An official statement said the Prime Minister said that broad-based and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the U.S. was important for peace, prosperity and development in the region.

He urged Senator Graham to continue to play his role in the transformation of the relationship, particularly through deepening and intensifying bilateral economic cooperation, the statement from the prime minister’s office said.

While emphasizing the value of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan’s development, Imran Khan said that Pakistan would continue to play its facilitating role in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.

The Prime Minister apprised Senator Graham of the continuing Indian atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He also drew Senator’s attention towards the Indian Government’s discriminatory policies against minorities. He urged for continued U.S focus to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability in the region.

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, according to the statement.

He appreciated Pakistan’s achievements in mainstreaming the tribal areas through development work. He also commended Pakistan on border fencing initiative.

Senator Graham is Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and senior member of the Armed Services, Appropriations and Budget Committees of the U.S Senate. This is his second visit to Pakistan in 2019.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also present in the meeting.