US concerned over rising India-Pakistan tension

Exchange of fire along the working boundary of the two nations, claimed four Pakistani civilian lives

The US Monday expressed concern over rising India-Pakistan tensions and the exchange of fire along the working boundary, which claimed four Pakistani civilian lives, Geo News reported Tuesday.

Washington encourages Islamabad and New Delhi to engage in a dialogue. "We certainly remain concerned and watch over tensions along the border. We encourage dialogue between the (two) countries," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

When her attention was drawn to the reports of four Pakistanis deaths in Indian fire in Sialkot sectors, the spokesperson said she did not have any confirmation but added the US would obviously sympathise with families on loss of any lives. "Our hearts will go out to the families" for any lives lost.

In response to another question, the spokesperson noted that Washington has been supporting dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi. There have been some steps in the past and positive exchanges over the years but "obviously more work needs to be done."

On US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, she said the two sides work on a range of issues including counter-terrorism and security issues.