APPAC team concerned about US Congressman statement on Kashmir issue

Islamabad

A delegation of American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) met US Congressman Joe Crowley in New York and sought his support on Kashmir issue.

It also handed over him a note of dissent, expressing deep concern over his recent interview with Indian media, accusing Pakistan of ‘backing terrorists’ in Kashmir, says a message received here on Thursday.

Another Congressman from New York Tom Suozzi was also present on the occasion. The delegation led by APPAC’s Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmad drew attention to his statement over Kashmir issue, pointing out that it was contrary to the facts and one-sided.

Joe Crowley clarified that his views on the matter were wrongly put in the news report and these were out context. He didn't mean what was reported by the Indian media. He had always been supportive of peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute through bilateral talks, he added.

Both the Congressmen assured APPAC that they are willing to work with their Pakistani constituents, and help improve Pakistan’s impression in the US and to get their position on Kashmir accepted.

The letter says the conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is a complex one and it needed to be settled through bilateral talks. The interview appeared to have sided strongly with the Indian government, and even gone to the extent of accusing Pakistan over the matter, it added.

The APPAC chairman assured the US congressmen that Pakistani Americans, many of whom are their constituents, wanted nothing more than a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and will accept whatever decision the people of Kashmir make when they are finally given the right to vote.

“We believe that until that day, partisan denunciation of Pakistan will only add fuel to the fire and complicate the matter, “ he added He urged Joe Crowley to disavow the position reported by a section of the Indian media and let the World know that United States supports free and fair plebiscite in Kashmir and the Americans are against the atrocities being perpetuated upon the innocent people of the Indian-held territory. -