US concerned about human rights situation in Pakistan-held Kashmir

Washington, Aug 24 (IANS) The US is concerned about human rights situation in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the country's Balochistan province, the State Department has said.

US State Department spokesperson Mark C. Toner on Tuesday said the US was concerned about the "human rights situation" there and had "reported it for several years in our Human Rights Report".

He made the remarks while responding to a question about Pakistan Army's oppression in Pakistan-held Kashmir and Balochistan, during a press briefing here.

Toner also said the US had always urged Pakistan to work out differences in its region peacefully and through a political process.

"We've obviously -- are always urging all parties in Pakistan to work out their differences peaceably and through a valid political process," Toner said.

He also said that Pakistan was well aware of the US policy on the Kashmir issue.