ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Monday thanked US Senators Chris Van Hollen and Maggi Hassan who called on him at his office.
During the meeting, the prime minister said that Modi-led BJP government has distorted the face of India in front of the world. He also clarified the US senators that dialogues with Indian PM Narendra Modi are not possible due to the curfew and communication blockade in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
While warning the international community, PM Khan reiterated that India and Pakistan are both nuclear powers and it would have dire consequences.
“The ongoing lockdown in the occupied Kashmir for over two months, refusal of Indian authorities to lift the curfew, and acute shortage of basic necessities are grave violations of the fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law,” he maintaned.
PM Khan said that world must also take cognizance of the grave consequences of Indian actions for regional peace and stability and should act immediately. He said that the relationship between Pakistan and the US is based on mutual trust and partnership for peace.
US Senators assure continue to remain engaged on Kashmir issue
The Senators affirmed that they would work for a broad-based and long-term relationship with enhanced trade ties between the two countries.
Senator Christopher Van Hollen, who visited Miran Shah on 5 October, appreciated the development work in the area. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers and civilians as part of its successful drive against the menace of terrorism.
The two Senators, expressed their resolve to continue to remain engaged on Kashmir issue.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Senators are visiting Pakistan to have firsthand information and an in-depth assessment of the evolving situation following India's illegal and unilateral actions in the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in violation of the UN resolutions and international law.
The Afghan peace process was also discussed in the meeting. The premier said that the US and Taliban want peace in Afghanistan, adding that peace process should be discussed in phases.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari and the foreign secretary were also present in the meeting.
On the other hand, in Occupied Kashmir, the
lockdown continues on the 64th consecutive day, on Monday, with all shops, main markets and educational institutions shut and public transport off the road in scenic Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu region.
As the territory entered the third month of the humanitarian crisis triggered by the Indian government’s decision to abrogate special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, normal life continues to remain paralyzed. Internet connectivity stands closed. The train between Baramulla and Banihal continues to be frozen for more than nine weeks.
The authorities made several efforts in the past nine weeks to reopen the schools. However, officials admit that the students did not come to schools. The residents are facing severe hardships due to shortage of essential commodities.
People in most of the Valley areas including Shopian, Pulwama and Kulgam have not been able to harvest the apple, which may have serious impact on the economy of the Kashmiri people.
On Sunday, a high-level US Congressional delegation comprising Senators Chris Van Hollen and Maggie Hassan along with their staffers and US Ambassador Paul Jones visited Muzaffarabad.
