Wells apprised of 'grave HRs situation in IOK.

Islamabad -- Chief US diplomat for South Asian affairs, Alice Wells, met Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood on Tuesday, where the two officials discussed a range of bi-lateral issues, including political engagement and economic partner-ship, a Foreign Office statement said.

During the meeting, the foreign secretary and Wells, who is the acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Af-fairs, emphasised that a strong trade and in-vestment relationship was key to advancing the shared vision of the leadership of both countries for a long term, broad-based and enduring partnership.

The foreign secretary, for his part, highlighted the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in India-Occupied Kashmir (IOK), 'intensified ceasefire violations from the Indian side, belligerent rhetoric of the Indian civil and military figures, and India's aggressive measures along the Line of Control'. He further stressed the need for the international community to play its role in the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, said the Foreign Office spokes-person.

The two sides also discussed recent developments regarding the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. The foreign secretary reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to continue to support the peace process and pursue positive development of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Referring to the foreign minister's recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United States, and his telephone conversations with other foreign ministers, FS Mahmood underscored that Pakistan remained committed to supporting the efforts for de-escalation of tensions and promoting the prospects of a diplomatic way...