US senators, COAS discuss Kashmir

Visiting dignitaries laud Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, says ISPR


News Desk October 07, 2019
Military's media wing says visiting dignitaries laud Pakistan's role in Afghanistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS

As New Delhi's siege of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) crossed 60 days on Monday, US senators Christopher Van Hollen and Maggie Hassan discussed the situation in the occupied valley with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa.

The US lawmakers met the army chief at the General Headquarters, said a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing.

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The Afghan reconciliation process, as well as issues of mutual interest and overall regional security were discussed with the visiting dignitaries.

US senators urge India to end occupied Kashmir 'humanitarian crisis'

The US senators lauded Islamabad's efforts for regional peace and stability.

General Qamar appreciated Washington's understanding and support on resolving the Kashmir issue, as well as, Pakistan's efforts in Afghanistan.

Both the sides stressed upon importance of strong bilateral relationship between the US and Pakistan in and beyond security cooperation.

US senators have written to New Delhi calling for an end to the humanitarian crisis in the Himalayan valley more than once.

The White House has repeatedly urged the Indian government to lift the information blockade and curfew imposed upon nine million Kashmiris for the last two months.

On October 5, US lawmakers took legislative actions against India for the very first time.

They voiced their concern over “the current humanitarian crisis” in IOK.

In its report ahead of the annual Foreign Appropriations Act for 2020, the powerful US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations asked New Delhi to lift its lockdown and curfew, as well as, release detainees.

The report, submitted to the Senate by Lindsey Graham, “notes with concern the current humanitarian crisis in Kashmir and calls on the Government of India to fully restore telecommunications and Internet services; lift its lockdown and curfew; and release individuals detained pursuant to the Government’s revocation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution”.

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