Pakistani PM Invites India To Resolve Kashmir Issue

Islamabad, Feb 6, IRNA – Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has invited India to come forward for peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute through negotiations. Addressing the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, Nawaz Sharif stressed that the region will remain in the grip of uncertainty and confrontation as long as Kashmir dispute is not resolved in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people. “Non resolution of the dispute will also have adverse effect on the socio-economic development of the region,” he said as people in Pakistan and Kashmir observed a solidarity day with the people of Kashmir. The Pakistani government declares a close holiday on February 5th every year to observe the day and religious and political parties take out processions across Pakistan and Kashmir. The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the Indian leadership while realizing the sensitivity of the issue will reciprocate his invitation of dialogue in a positive manner and give right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir. “Good friendly relations could develop between both the neighboring countries if India accepts‚ the right to self-determination of Kashmiri people,” Nawaz Sharif said. He reiterated that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with India‚ including the core issue of Kashmir‚ through meaningful and result oriented dialogue. Nawaz Sharif said Kashmir dispute remains on the list of unfinished agenda of the United Nations and this issue has a central place for peace in South Asia. He said like other parts of the world‚ the Kashmiris also have the right to decide their future with their own free will. He said Pakistan has taken several concrete steps to reduce the hardships faced by the people living on both sides of the Line of Control. “The steps include the opening of the Line of Control to facilitate trade and movement of the people. These steps clearly reflect that Pakistan desires for peace.” “Pakistan is a peace loving country and our desire for peace is also reflective from the dialogue process with the Taliban.” Assuring all out support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for right to self-determination‚ Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan strictly adheres to its stance on Kashmir dispute that it should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people./end