NEW YORK: Leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in New York on Sunday.

Prime Minister Khan is in New York for participation in the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Senator Graham chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The prime minister and Senator Graham discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation. The PM appreciated Senator Graham’s support for strengthening Pakistan-US relations.

Prime Minister Khan expressed his grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said India’s lockdown in Kashmir had created a humanitarian crisis and posed a threat for regional stability. He said the United States could play a positive role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, which was the main obstacle to lasting peace in South Asia.

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Imran Khan said Pakistan desired peace in Afghanistan and remained fully committed to working with the United States in achieving a political settlement in Afghanistan. He hoped for an early resumption of the Afghan peace process.

Senator Graham said a strong, strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States was mutually advantageous and a factor for stability in the region. He appreciated Pakistan’s support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, and Ambassador Asad M. Khan were also present in the meeting.

On Sept 20, Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan had said Prime Minister Imran Khan was contacting important capitals to apprise them of the ground situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

“Pakistan will continue to raise voice for the legitimate and principled stance of Kashmiri people for the right to self-determination,” Firdous Ashiq Awan had said while addressing Kashmir Solidarity Youth Convention in Islamabad.