The United States would be the most relevant third party that could intervene to help resolve outstanding issues, including Kashmir, between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has told US senators.
Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Bob Corker along with Ranking Member Senator Ben Cardin received the prime minister and his delegation at the Capitol Hill on Wednesday afternoon — the second day of his visit to Washington, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The premier briefed the meeting — which was attended by several senior members of the committee — about his recent peace initiative towards India announced in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session.
Members of Senate noted the prime minister’s proposal that given India’s resistance to bilaterally resolve outstanding issues including Kashmir, it would be imperative to have third party intervention for which the US would be most relevant, said the handout.
On the same day, Pakistan handed over three dossiers to US Secretary of State John Kerry on India’s involvement in subversive activities in the country.
Outlining his vision of a peaceful neighbourhood, Sharif reiterated his government’s commitment to remain engaged with the Afghan leadership to enhance mutual coordination in dealing with the common challenges of terrorism and promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Thanking the Senate committee for their consistent support to democracy, security cooperation and economic development in Pakistan, Sharif briefed the members about his economic reforms agenda that led to reviving the economy and upgrading Pakistan’s economic outlook in recent months, the statement said.
The prime minister also briefed members on the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Temporarily Dislocated Persons (TDPs) back in their homes in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) following the clearing of areas by successful military operations.
Appreciating the provision of counter-terrorism assistance by the US Congress, Prime Minister Sharif said that due to the successful operations of Pakistani security forces, militants’ command and control infrastructure in Pakistan had been destroyed and the ability of militants to plan or conduct any major attack had been significantly diminished.
Responding to questions by members of the US Congress, the premier remarked that Zarb-e-Azb had achieved its initial targets and entered a decisive phase.
Members of the US Congress emphasised that Pakistan was an important country in the region and the US looked forward to engaging with Pakistan to advance the goals of regional peace and stability.
The senators also assured Sharif of continued support by the US Congress in complimenting Pakistan’s efforts to stimulate people-centred growth and eliminating militancy and extremism from the region.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is among the important standing committees of the US Congress with the mandate to oversee US foreign policy.
