ISLAMABAD PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif has called upon the international community to take notice of the continued human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Obama Administration has an important role to play in the resumption of dialogue process between Pakistan and India as well as in the resolution of all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir, the former prime minister said while talking to the US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke who called on him here on Friday.
Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan and Senator Ishaq Dar were also present in the meeting.
The PML-N Quaid also urged Holbrooke to support Pakistans efforts to finalise a Free Trade Agreement with the US and to encourage greater American investments in Pakistan, especially in its energy and power sectors, as these will have a direct bearing on the countrys economy and peoples well-being.
Nawaz noted that aid packages were for limited goals and serve only as the stopgap arrangements. Whereas the greater trade and foreign investments help in strengthening the countrys economy and generating employment opportunities, which reduce the likelihood of the youth turning towards militancy and extremism, he added.
He emphasised the need that the Obama Administration should finalise the understandings envisaged in the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, as well as for early approval by the US Congress of the legislation relating to the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones.
Ambassador Holbrooke assured the PML-N Quaid that the US viewed Pakistan as an extremely important country that deserved the help and assistance of the entire international community, in its efforts to confront militancy and to strengthen its economy.
He was of the view that the Obama Administration and US Congress were committed, on a long-term basis to supporting Pakistan and developing its institutions.
The visiting dignitary said that the US was also supportive of Pakistans efforts to normalise its relations with India, adding this was essential not only for peace and stability in the region, but also for both the countries to tackle the many challenges confronting them.
He lauded the former Prime Minister for his support and efforts to forge cordial and cooperative relations between Pakistan and India.
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