Strong Pak-US partnership essential to deal with challenges confronting region: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that a sustained and strong Pak-US partnership is essential to deal with various challenges confronting the region and beyond.

He was talking to a five member US Senate delegation led by Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, in Islamabad on Monday.

The prime minister reiterated his government’s commitment to improve relations with Afghanistan and India.

He expressed serious concern over the gross human rights violations and brutal repression of unarmed people in occupied Kashmir.

Nawaz underscored the legitimacy of the Kashmir cause and urged the world community to play its role in ending the sufferings of Kashmiri people.

Read More: US wants end to violence in Kashmir, says McCain

He also highlighted the economic turnaround that manifested in enhanced investor interest and confidence in Pakistan.

The PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support all efforts aimed at lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“Concerted efforts are needed for a politically negotiated settlement under an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group mechanism to facilitate Afghan reconciliation.

Senator McCain agreed that continued close cooperation between the US and Pakistan was essential for securing peace and stability in the region.

He said the US attached importance to its relations with Pakistan.

The senators appreciated the contributions and sacrifices made by Pakistan and the successes achieved in the fight against terrorism.

They also praised the economic turnaround in Pakistan and stressed the importance of intensifying mutually beneficial trade and investment cooperation.