Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi on Thursday held meetings with top US officials including Senator John McCain, the Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), in Washington DC.

Fatemi also met with officials of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC).

In both meetings, the growing tension across the Line of Control (LoC) came under discussion. Fatemi highlighted the human rights violations in India-held Kashmir, said a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Fatemi gave a briefing on the increasing negative implications for prospects of peace in South Asia "because of Indian hostility and belligerence".

The leadership of the SFRC and McCain acknowledged Pakistan's role in promoting peace and security in the region, the statement said.

They expressed the US desire to strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan, which was "a longstanding and important partner of the United States".

During his meeting with McCain, Fatemi informed the senator about the overall security situation in the region and referring to Operation Zarb-i-Azb, highlighted significant gains made by Pakistan's armed forces. Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan were also part of the discussion.

The senator "appreciated Pakistan's efforts to eliminate terrorist outfits from the region and assured the SASC's continued support in realising the common objective of defeating terrorism".

He congratulated Pakistan on successful transition in the military command and reiterated the US commitment to remain engaged with Pakistan in promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.

Fatemi was accompanied by Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani when he met with the SFRC.

They were welcomed by Chairman of the committee Senator Bob Corker and Ranking Member Senator Ben Cardin, together with their senior staffers.

Fatemi conveyed the good wishes of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the leadership of the Senate and thanked the SFRC for its support and assistance to Pakistan.

Fatemi appreciated role of the US Congress in authorising the critical counter-terrorism assistance that helped Pakistan in eradicating the terrorist networks operating from Federally Administered Tribal Areas and promoting peace and stability in the region.

The SFRC oversees the US foreign policy priorities across the globe and also authorises the US economic and humanitarian assistance for partner countries.