ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has lauded Pakistan’s sincere and utmost efforts for political solution of Afghan conflict.

Mike Pompeo expressed these views while talking to Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Washington.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan was committed to play its due role in de-escalating prevailing tensions and promote peace in the Middle Eastern region.

The two leaders exchanged views on matters pertaining to Pak-US bilateral cooperation, regional security situation, Afghan peace process, and ongoing massive human rights violations in the Occupied Kashmir.

Also Read: Afghan Taliban have agreed to reduction in violence, says FM Mahmood Qureshi

The foreign minister expressed regret that the BJP-led Indian government had besieged millions of Kashmiris by imposing ruthless curfew and other restrictions in the held territory. He said that the Indian government imposed ban on media in the held territory to hide facts from the world.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions was vital for brining permanent peace and stability to the South Asian region. The foreign minister further said that Pakistan would continue its efforts for political solution to lingering Afghan conflict.

He underlined the need of strengthening bilateral trade and investment to materialize joint vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi also briefed the US secretary on his meetings with various leaders during his recent visits to Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Earlier in an interview with Fox News, FM Qureshi asked the United States for a responsible withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and not to repeat the mistake of 80s’ pull out.

He said Pakistan facilitated a dialogue with Taliban on the request of US President Donald Trump in a hope for peace and stability in the region.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Taliban are today talking to US and there was a possibility of an agreement.

When asked whether PM Imran Khan would participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s regional summit in India later this year, he said, the prime minister was very very clear that if India took one step, Pakistan would take two.