Pak-US envoys discuss bilateral relations, occupied Kashmir

Janjua reiterated Pakistan's concern over the presence of ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan

UNITED NATIONS: US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Ambassador Alice Wells met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua on the sidelines of the ongoing UN summit and discussed bilateral relations, the situation in Afghanistan and Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK).



During the meeting, the foreign secretary said Pakistan desired a broad relationship with the US that was based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Pakistan, she said, wanted to see a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Highlighting the steps taken to engage with the Afghan government, she reaffirmed Pakistan's support for a comprehensive political reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Secretary further reiterated Pakistan's concern over the presence of ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan, which are exploited by militant groups for launching terrorist attacks in the region. Janjua also briefed Wells on the measures Pakistan was taking to secure the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.



Janjua drew the senior US official's attention to the ongoing human rights violations being committed by Indian occupying forces in the occupied valley. She said recent events had again demonstrated India's stubborn unwillingness to engage with Pakistan.

The envoy said the US looked forward to working with the new government and Pakistan's support was critical for peace in Afghanistan and appreciated the new government's policy of reaching out to the Afghan government.