Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasized the need for broad-based and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the US for peace, prosperity and development in the region. The Prime Minister was talking to the visiting US Senator Lindsey Graham during a meeting here on Monday. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was also present in the meeting.

According to the media office of the PM House, the Prime Minister during the meeting said that broad-based and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the US is important for peace, prosperity and development in the region.

He urged Senator Graham to continue to play his role in the transformation of the relationship, particularly through deepening and intensifying bilateral economic cooperation.

While emphasizing the value of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan's development, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Pakistan would continue to play its facilitating role in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.

The Prime Minister apprised Senator Graham of the continuing Indian atrocities in IOJ&K. He also drew the senator's attention towards the Indian government's discriminatory policies against minorities. He urged for continued US focus to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability in the region.

Senator Graham thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan's consistent support in the Afghan peace process. He reiterated his desire for a broader bilateral relationship with particular focus on economic cooperation, enhanced market access and increased investments.

He appreciated Pakistan's achievements in mainstreaming the tribal areas through development work. He also commended Pakistan on border fencing initiative. Senator Graham is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and senior member of the Armed Services, Appropriations and Budget Committees of the US Senate.

This is his second visit to Pakistan in 2019. The visiting US Senator Graham also held a separate meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. According to DG ISPR, regional security and Afghan reconciliation process was discussed during the meeting. "Visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan's efforts towards regional peace and stability," the DG ISPR stated in a tweet.