Pakistan raises ‘Indian hostility’ with US senators

By Sajjad HussainnnISLAMABAD: Pakistan today said that Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi briefed the leadership of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on “negative implications” for peace in South Asia because of “Indian hostility and belligerence”.nnFatemi met committee chairman and senator Bob Corker and Ranking Member Senator Ben Cardin at Capitol Hill in Washington.nn”Highlighting the massive human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir as well as the continued tension across the Line of Control, Fatemi briefed the senators on the increasing negative implications for prospects of peace in South Asia because of Indian hostility and belligerence,” the Foreign Office here said in a statement.nnFatemi informed the senators on how Pakistan had turned the page by focusing on improving economy and security in the country during the last three years, it said.nnThe leadership of the committee acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and security in the region and expressed the US desire to strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan, which was a longstanding and important partner of the US, the statement said.nnSeparately, Fatemi also met with the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee and senator John McCain.nnHe informed senator McCain about the overall security situation in the region and significant gains made by Pakistani forces following the successful military operations in North Waziristan which were aimed at eliminating all terrorists, without any discrimination, from Pakistani soil.nnThe regional situation including Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan and the growing tension across the Line of Control and the Working Boundary were also discussed.nnMcCain congratulated Pakistan on successful transition in the military command and reiterated the US commitment to remain engaged with Pakistan in promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.nnFatemi is visiting the US as an envoy to build frayed ties with the new Republican leaders and the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump who will assume office on January 20.nnSource: Press Trust of India