Pakistan PM Sharif slams ‘silence’ on Kashmir

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday expressed his disappointment over the “complete silence” in the Indo-US joint statement on the “atrocities” in Kashmir and asked the foreign ministry to “proactively highlight” the human rights violations in the Valley.

Mr Sharif visited the foreign ministry and undertook a comprehensive review of the foreign policy priorities in the wake of the recent developments in and around Pakistan and the emerging global and regional scenario.

He “underscored the importance of securing peace and stability in the region through sustained dialogue,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement. Mr Sharif also “reiterated his priority for a peaceful neighbourhood and resolution of disputes through dialogue”.

On the Kashmir issue, Mr Sharif asked the ministry “to proactively highlight the serious human right violations being committed in Kashmir and the denial of the right of self- determination to Kashmiris”.

“He expressed his disappointment over the complete silence in the US-India joint statement on the atrocities being committed by the Indian Security Forces against innocent Kashmiris,” the statement said. Mr Sharif also underscored the importance that Pakistan attached to its continued partnership with the US.