Peace in Afghanistan only Possible with Pakistan’s Support: US Senator

US Senator Lindsey Graham, in a visit to Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Pakistan House in Washington, underscored the importance of Pakistan’s cooperation in bringing an honorable and dignified peace in Afghanistan.

News Desk |

US Senator Lindsey Graham, head of the Senate Judiciary Committee of the US, agreed with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement for the need of sustained, high-level bilateral engagement between Pakistan and the United States for mutual advantage.

In a press release, issued after Senator Graham called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Pakistan House in Washington earlier today, the US Senator underscored the benefits for the US of a stable and sustainable relationship with Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Role in Afghanistan 

According to the press release, Senator Lindsey Graham said, “I appreciate President Trump for allowing me to be part of the meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Khan to discuss the way forward regarding Afghanistan and the future of the United States-Pakistan relationship. President Trump is keenly aware of the benefits of a better relationship with Pakistan.”

He added, “Peace with honor and dignity in Afghanistan is only possible with the complete buy-in of Pakistan.

Sources reveal that Senator Lindsey Graham, other than the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, played a definitive role in arranging the Imran-Trump meeting.

Highlighting the need for a free trade agreement and defense engagement, Senator Graham said, “It is now time for the United States to have a strategic relationship with Pakistan, which is best achieved by a free trade agreement tied to security performance.

The press release further added, “I have seen change by the Pakistani military where they have aggressively gone after terrorist networks along the Afghan-Pakistan border. I believe that Prime Minister Khan, along with the Pakistani military leadership, is ready for change and ready for the Afghan war to end in a smart way.

Read more: PM Khan’s popularity remains unchanged despite controversies

The communiqué concluded, “If the Taliban are denied sanctuary in Pakistan, this war will end quickly and on our terms. It is my hope that we can negotiate a free trade agreement between the United States and Pakistan, which would be of mutual economic benefit and an incentive to maintain stability in the region.”

Pakistan seeks “Broad-Based” Relations

During the meeting, which included Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood, and the Pakistani Ambassador to the US Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Prime Minister Khan briefed Senator Lindsey of the PTI-led government’s economic and developmental agendas.

Senator Graham has long been a supporter of strong Pak-US ties, and the Imran Khan-led delegation thanked him for his efforts and visionary support in strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Premier noted that Pakistan seeks a “broad-based” relationship with Washington that ensures win-win cooperation and protects the interests of both the countries, in a wide-ranging commitment spanning over defense, trade, economic growth, investment, education and energy.

Khan noted, “Pakistan has paid a high price due to instability in Afghanistan. Pakistan desires peace in Afghanistan, and remains fully committed to collaborating with the United States to reach a political solution to end the war in Afghanistan.”

Read more: Pakistan will give up Nuclear weapons if India does: PM Khan

In a series of tweets from his official handle, US Senator Lindsey Graham, provided more details of his engagement with Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Senator noted, “In my opinion he and his government represent the best opportunity in decades to have a beneficial strategic relationship with the US.  This will help us secure Afghanistan and the region long-term.”

Senator Graham added, “Tremendous business opportunities exist between Pakistan and the US through a free trade agreement tied to our mutual security interests.”

Read more: Imran Khan: The People’s Prime Minister – Shiffa Yousafzai

Calling for an improvement in the strategies employed by the US towards Pakistan, Senator Graham stated, “It’s also our best chance in decades to reset the relationship between the US and Pakistan.”

The Senator concluded, “Peace with honor and dignity in Afghanistan is only possible with the complete buy-in of Pakistan. It is now time for the United States to have a strategic relationship with Pakistan, which is best achieved by a free trade agreement tied to security performance.”

Sources reveal that Senator Lindsey Graham, other than the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, played a definitive role in arranging the Imran-Trump meeting. Senator Graham has long been a supporter of strong Pak-US ties, and the Imran Khan-led delegation thanked him for his efforts and visionary support in strengthening relations between the two countries.