PM Nawaz disappointed over US silence on Indian atrocities in Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday expressed disappointment over silence of United States on atrocities being committed by India against Kashmiris.

Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review foreign policy priorities of the country in the wake of recent developments in and around Pakistan and the emerging global and regional scenario, he expressed his disappointment over the complete silence in the US-India joint statement on the atrocities being committed by the Indian Security Forces against innocent Kashmiris, Radio Pakistan reported.

Nawaz Sharif stressed to proactively highlight the serious human right violations being committed in the Indian Occupied Kashmir and the denial of the right of self-determination to Kashmiris.

He also reiterated his priority for a peaceful neighbourhood and resolution of disputes through dialogue.

Read More: Pakistan to continue support to Kashmiris in their freedom struggle: PM

The prime minister said that Pakistan attached high importance to its continued partnership with the United States and stressed the need for securing peace and stability in the region through sustained dialogue.

He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare initiatives on Afghanistan and also on building economic and trade linkages to promote Pakistan’s development. He said trade, investment and scientific collaboration should be the strategic pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Nawaz appreciated China’s role for improving Pak-Afghan relations. He also recalled his recent meeting with President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of SCO Summit and their agreement to evolve a bilateral and quadrilateral mechanism for controlling cross-border terrorism.

He emphasized the importance of highlighting the unmatched contributions and sacrifices made by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and of projecting Pakistan’s soft image. He particularly stressed that Pakistan should progressively end its reliance on foreign assistance and funding by developing and generating its own resources.

Taking note of the virtual suspension of medical visas, especially for those needing urgent transplants, the premier directed that immediate steps be taken to provide such medical facilities across Pakistan at reasonable prices.

Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the status of strategic partnership with China and the launch of CPEC, reviving the strategic dialogue with the US, strong relations with Russia, major improvement in relations with Central Asia culminating in Pakistan’s membership of SCO.

He said that these achievements were facilitated by significant gains made in fighting terrorism and in achieving economic turnaround.