Foreign Secretary apprises Alice Wells on situation in IoK

ISLAMABAD: United States Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells, called on Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, said a statement by the Foreign Office.

They discussed a range of bilateral issues, including political engagement and economic partnership. During the meeting, it was emphasised that a strong trade and investment relationship was key to advancing the shared vision of the leadership of both countries for a long term, broad-based and enduring partnership.

The foreign secretary highlighted the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, intensified ceasefire violations from the Indian side, belligerent rhetoric of the Indian civil and military figures, and India’s aggressive measures along the Line of Control.

The foreign secretary emphasised on the importance of the international community playing its role in peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

The two sides also discussed recent developments regarding the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. The foreign secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue to support the peace process and pursue positive development of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Referring to the foreign minister’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United States, the foreign secretary underscored that Pakistan remained committed to supporting the efforts for de-escalation of tensions and promoting the prospects of a diplomatic way forward on the differences and disputes in the Middle East.