Pakistan seeks US support on Kashmir, India's defiance.

Byline: SHAFQAT ALI

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan yesterday sought the United States support on the Kashmir issue and India's discriminatory policies against the minorities, particularly Muslims.

During separate meetings with influential US Senator Lindsey Graham here, Prime Minister Imran Khan and army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa invited Washington's attention towards the Kashmir issue and the Indian defiant attitude. The top civil and military leaders acknowledged the US Senator's role for improving Pak-US ties.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that broad-based and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the US was important for peace, prosperity and development in the region, said a foreign ministry statement. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also present during the meeting.

Senator Graham later called on Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi and discussed regional security situation including Afghan reconciliation process. 'The US Senator acknowledged Pakistan's efforts towards regional peace and stability,' said a military statement.

Senator Graham is Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and senior member of the Armed Services, Appropriations and Budget Committees of the US Senate. This is his second visit to Pakistan this year.

The Prime Minister urged Senator Graham to continue to play his role in the transformation of the relationship, particularly through deepening and intensifying bilateral economic cooperation.

PM Khan apprised Senator Graham of the continuing Indian atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir. He also drew the Senator's attention towards the Indian Government's discriminatory policies against minorities. He urged for continued US focus to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability in the region.

While emphasizing the value of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan's development, Imran Khan said that Pakistan would continue to play its facilitating role in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.

Senator Graham appreciated Prime Minister Khan for Pakistan's consistent support in the Afghan peace process. He reiterated his desire for a broader bilateral relationship with particular focus on economic cooperation, enhanced market access and increased investments.

He acknowledged Pakistan's achievements in mainstreaming the...