ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is desirous of peace in the region including Afghanistan, Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said while talking to Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of US House of Representatives Gregory Meeks through a video link.

Peace in Afghanistan is inevitable for economic progress in Pakistan and the region, the minister said, adding, Pakistan and the United States have the commonality of views about peace in the region. He said peace is necessary for promotion of regional linkages. Qureshi said cooperation between Pakistan and the US is important for peace in the South Asian region.

The Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of US House of Representatives said Pakistan is an important country of the region and its efforts for peace in the region are commendable. He also expressed condolence over the killing of four members of a Pakistani origin family in Canada.

FM Qureshi apprised the Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives about Pakistan’s concern on the rising tendency of Islamophobia in the world. He said Pakistan has been raising its voice against Islamophobia at different international forums including the United Nations. “The international community will have to take joint steps to prevent Islamophobia and ensure peaceful coexistence.”