NEW YORK: A US senator, who held meetings with political and military leaders during a recent visit to Pakistan, has called for finding ways to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan.

Senator Maggie Hassan said in a tweet that she met Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss “joint counterterrorism work and regional stability”.

Accompanying her on the trip was Senator Chris Van Hollen. Both senators belong to the Democratic Party and they also visited Azad Kashmir.

“Amid escalating tensions in Kashmir, it’s critical that we find ways to help de-escalate the situation on both sides,” Ms Hassan said, adding, “I’m now travelling to India where I’ll meet officials to further discuss the situation and international trade”.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2019