Trump averted major tragedy in South Asia: Sultan

ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has said US President Donald Trump’s timely intervention saved South Asia from a major tragedy.

He was talking to Political Counselor of US Embassy in Pakistan Zachary Harkenrider who called on him here on Thursday. “We deeply appreciate President Trump’s peace efforts in the region,” Sultan said, adding that Kashmiris wholeheartedly welcome his mediation offer to help resolve the longstanding Kashmir dispute that has been the cause of unrest in the region. He said that a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was imperative to defuse tension in the region. However, holding it is critically important to avert further escalation and prevent a potential conflict in the future.

Referring to India’s worst track record of ceasefire violations, he said India, in a fit of frustration, could go to any extent to violate ceasefire. “It is, therefore, imperative that the US pressure India to refrain from taking any such step that jeopardizes peace in the region. We hope for a long-lasting ceasefire, the one that leads to peaceful settlement of all disputes including the core issue of Kashmir.”

He said the US could play an important role in pursuing the government of India to resolve the Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people. The key to peace in South Asia lies in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.The AJK president also briefed the visiting delegation on the latest situation in IIOJ&K. Zachary was accompanied by US Embassy official Elizabeth Bennion.