The US decision is a severe blow to Pakistan which has been projecting 71-year-old Kashmiri separatist leader as a "freedom fighter". McCain, thanking Aziz on behalf of the delegation that included senators Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, Elizabeth Warren and David Perdue "appreciated the contributions and sacrifices made by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism," the Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement. "He said that continued engagement with Pakistan, a close friend and ally of the US, was important,? Aziz underscored the significance of the long-standing cooperation between the two countries and the need to make this partnership diverse and multidimensional. Aziz said Pakistan remained committed to support efforts for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Source: India Today July 02, 2017 18:45 UTC