Pakistan committed to principled stand on Kashmir: Shaukat Aziz
By 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

BRUSSELS (Belgium): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment in strong and clear words that Pakistan is still committed to its principled stand on Kashmir issue that it should be resolved according to the aspirations of Kashmiris in a peaceful manner.

He was talking to a delegation of International Human Rights Center of Kashmir here, led by Barrister Abdul Majid Tramboo, which called on the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan would continue its efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute, as without its solution, durable peace in the region could not be ensured.

Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan wants end of human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and raised the voice for their rights at all international platforms.

He said that Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the core issue between Pakistan and India and its solution in accordance with the Kashmiri aspirations would bring about peace and prosperity and economic stability in the region.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan whole-heartedly acknowledged the contributions made by the Kashmiri leaders in the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India.

He said the leadership of Pakistan always raised the Kashmir issue with all the leaders and emphasized the need for early resolution of the dispute.

He apprised them of keen interest being taken by the President for its early resolution. He said that President’s proposals on identification of regions, demilitarization, self-governance and joint mechanism are strategic initiatives to break the stalemate.

Shaukat Aziz also referred to the efforts initiated by President General Pervez Musharraf and the proposals floated by him to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiris peacefully.

The Kashmir leaders appreciated the unwavering support of Pakistan to the legitimate Kashmiri aspirations.

Besides Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Pakistan’s ambassador to Belgium Khalid Saeed, the meeting was attended by members of the Kashmir delegation including Ali Raza Syed, Chaudhry Muhammad Khalid, Syed Zahid Husain Kazmi, Cagri Royraz and Abdul Latif Bhat.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan had already rejected the report of Emma Nicholson on kashmir issue saying that it is one sided and biased.

Single Platform

According to another report, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday said Pakistan Muslim League and its allied parties will contest the next general elections from single platform on the basis of its performance.

Talking to a PML delegation, here the Prime Minister said PML government has taken a number of steps to improve the living standard, improving job opportunities, promoting investment and creating enabling requirement for local and foreign investment.

The Prime Minister said PML and its allied parties have close cooperation and coordination to run the affairs of the government and all decisions are taken through mutual consensus and consultation.

He asked PML workers and leaders to play their due role in projecting Pakistan's good image and observe the laws of the country they are living working.

He said image of Islam, as peaceful religion should also be projected in a positive way by the PML workers here in Brussels, as it is an important headquarter of the European Union.

The Prime Minister also gave an overview of the economic reforms being under taken by the PML government in Pakistan.

Pervez Iqbal led the PML delegation and the meeting was also attended by ministers accompanying Prime Minister including Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Humayun Akhtar, Zahid Hamid and Ms Hina Rabbani Khar.●