Solution of Kashmir Issue Must for durable peace in S Asia: Soomro
By Aziz Malik ‘Pakistan Times’ Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: Acting President Mohammedmian Soomro said Tuesday that peaceful resolution of half a century old Kashmir issue is must for the progress and prosperity in South-Asia adding that such a development would lead to durable peace and stability in the region.

He was talking to a delegation of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, which called on him here. Acting Chairman Senate Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali was also present on the occasion.

The Acting President said, Kashmir is the greatest stumbling block in the way of normalization of relations between Pakistan and India and this hurdle has to be removed not only for durable peace but also for accelerated development of the whole South Asian region,home to about one-fifth of humanity.

While assuring the delegation of Pakistan’s continued political, moral and diplomatic support for their just cause, he said that President Pervez Musharraf’s proposals of de-militarization and self-governance were finding growing resonance in the world in general and Kashmir in particular and the same could provide a valid basis for negotiations to resolve the dispute.

The Kashmir issue has to be resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people in the larger interest of peace and progress, Soomro added.

He said that the parties would have to demonstrate greater degree of flexibility and courage to find a negotiated settlement of the dispute. He urged the Indian Government to respond to Pakistan’s various initiatives in the same spirit.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other members of APHC delegation commended the efforts of President Pervez Musharraf to bring about a just and honourable solution of the Kashmir issue and assured the Acting President of their full support to Pakistan’s efforts in this regard.

The delegation described President Musharraf’s proposals as a glimmer of hope for the Kashmiri people.

The delegation said that Pakistan’s bold stance and the series of initiatives it has taken, reflected its sincerity and keen desire to resolve the Kashmir issue and the international community is now looking towards India in this regard.

Later, the Acting President also hosted a luncheon in honour of the APHC delegation.●