Aziz briefs FMs of Japan, Austria on Kashmir

Islamabad, Sep 21: Continuing with efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue, Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has briefed foreign ministers of Japan, Austria and Switzerland about "human rights violation" in Kashmir.

Aziz, on the sidelines of 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, separately met with the foreign minsters -- Fumio Kishida of Japan, Sebastian Kurz of Austria and Didier Burkhalter of Switzerland, Pakistan's Foreign Office said.

Aziz also briefed his counterparts on Indo-Pak relations and the situation in Kashmir.

Highlighting "human rights abuse perpetrated by Indian security forces with impunity" in Kashmir, he stated that settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions, was essential for peace and stability of South Asia, the Foreign Office said.

It claimed that while acknowledging the "sacrifices" rendered by Pakistan in the campaign against terrorism, the three foreign ministers appreciated "successful counter -terrorism operations" conducted in tribal areas and the rest of the country.

Aziz noted that as a result of these operations, the security situation in the country has improved, which has enabled Pakistan's economy to grow at steady and sustainable rate.

He welcomed investments from Japan, Austria and Switzerland in Pakistan.

The Foreign Office said that Japan, Austria and Switzerland have underscored commitment to further strengthen existing cordial relations with Pakistan and promote mutual understanding on regional and international issues of common concerns.

Foreign Minister Kishida stated that Japan attached high priority to its relations with Pakistan. He evinced keen interest in investment in Pakistan's power sector.

Austrian Foreign Minister Kurz welcomed the prospects of investment in Pakistan due to improved security situation. He recognised significant potential of cooperation between the two sides in renewable energy.

Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter stated that Swiss development cooperation is completing its fifty years of work in Pakistan, the Foreign Office statement said.

Other issues discussed in these meetings were cooperation in multilateral organisations, Pakistan's application for membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group, the situation in Afghanistan and ongoing conferences and themes of 71st United Nations General Assembly, the statement said.

PTI