US senator discusses Afghan peace process with PM, COAS

ISLAMABAD: United States Senator Lindsey Graham called on top civilian and military leadership in Pakistan to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing peace process in the neighbouring country.

The Republican senator and his delegation arrived in the federal capital early and called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and held talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Prime Minister Imran said Pakistan would continue to play its facilitating role in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. He emphasised that peace and stability in Afghanistan was important for the development of Pakistan as well.

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He also apprised Senator Graham of the continuing atrocities in India-Occupied Kashmir (IOK) by the Indian forces and drew his attention towards the Indian government’s discriminatory policies against minorities.

Senator Graham thanked the PM Imran Khan 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.

Call on the Prime Minister by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham

United States’ Senator Lindsey Graham called on the Prime Minister today. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also present in the meeting. @ImranKhanPTI @SMQureshiPTI @LindseyGrahamSC pic.twitter.com/IZ814rESLc

— PTI (@PTIofficial) December 16, 2019

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

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Later, Graham also called on Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday following a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan

During their meeting, the two discussed the regional security situation including the Afghan reconciliation process. The visiting dignitary also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and stability.

“US Senator Lindsey Graham called on COAS. Regional security including Afghan Reconciliation Process was discussed. Visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and stability,” said a statement by ISPR.

US Senator Lindsey Graham called on COAS. Regional security including Afghan Reconciliation Process was discussed. Visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and stability. pic.twitter.com/eJlQy0pcui

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 16, 2019

This is Senator Graham’s second visit to Pakistan in 2019 seen as part of efforts to seek support for persuading the Taliban to agree on a ceasefire.

His visit comes in the backdrop of reports of an imminent US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan. It is  The Trump administration intends to call back around 4,000 troops as early as next week.

Talks between the US and the Taliban resumed a week ago but were halted on Thursday after an attack near a key US airbase north of Kabul.

US President Donald Trump insisted last month on the need for a ceasefire and made a surprise visit to Bagram airbase in Afghanistan on November 28 and met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.