Peace in S. Asia will remain 'elusive' until resolution of Kashmir dispute, FM Qureshi tells Pompeo.

WASHINGTON -- Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, highlighted the grave humanitarian situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir during his talks with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo Friday, while calling for the resolution of the "core" Indo-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir to usher in peace in the region.

A press release issued by the Pakistan Embassy said that the talks between the two officials, held at the State Department, were wide-ranging covering bilateral ties and regional issues.

The foreign minister told Secretary Pompeo that "peace in South Asia would remain elusive until India agrees to the resolution of the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir according to United Nations resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people."

Tensions between India and Pakistan heightened when New Delhi illegally annexed the dispute state on August 5 and followed up by imposing curfew, arresting thousands of citizens, including their political leaders, and cutting off all communications links. Simultaneously, India stepped violations of the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and has been moving heavy military equipment along the LoC.

FM Qureshi expressed concern that the Indian government's extremist Hindutva agenda and its belligerence on the Line of Control had created a dangerous situation in South Asia.

Meanwhile, a statement from State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, as posted on the department's website, said that among the subjects they discussed included Iran's activities in the region, the importance of U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process, and building bilateral economic ties.

According to the Pakistan embassy press release, Foreign Minister Qureshi said that close engagement between Pakistan and the United States had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia. He stressed that a more robust trade and investment relationship is key to achieving President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Imran Khan's shared vision for a long term and enduring partnership.

Qureshi said convergence between Pakistan...

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