Islamabad, September 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a balanced relationship with the United States that was anchored in trade, investment, energy and regional connectivity. He expressed these views during his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the side-lines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.

The Foreign Minister said that close engagement between Pakistan and the United States had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate efforts for an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan. Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed that only a stable and broad-based government in Afghanistan, which reflects its diversity, would be able to ensure that Afghan territory is never exploited by transnational terrorist groups ever again.

The Foreign Minister said the international community has a moral obligation to help the Afghan people in dealing with the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. He hoped that the world would not repeat the mistake of disengaging with Afghanistan. Shah Mahmood Qureshi also highlighted the grave human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He underscored the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute for lasting peace and stability in South Asia. On this occasion, the US Secretary of State appreciated Pakistan’s support for the evacuation of US citizens and other nationals from Afghanistan, and its continued efforts for peace in the region.

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