ISLAMABAD: US National Security Adviser Robert O’ Brien on Saturday appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for maintaining peace in the Middle East and South Asia.

He made these remarks during his meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Washington.

The US national security adviser also acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution to efforts for achieving a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi conveyed Pakistan’s concern that instability in the Middle East would affect the neighborhood and the global economy.

Also Read: Pompeo hails Pakistan’s efforts for Afghan peace process

Stressing the need for de-escalation and dialogue, the foreign minister expressed Pakistan’s willingness to play its role for peace in the region.

Referring to the human rights situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Foreign Minister Qureshi said the United States should urge India to end its lockdown in the occupied territory, desist from escalation along the Line of Control, implement UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir, and let Kashmiris exercise their right to self-determination.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had lauded Pakistan’s sincere and utmost efforts for political solution of Afghan conflict.

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

The two leaders had 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.

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

The foreign minister had 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 had said that the Indian government imposed ban on media in the held territory to hide facts from the world.