Pak wants peaceful settlement of issues with India: Zardari

Rezaul H Laskar

Islamabad, Apr 5 (PTI) President Asif Ali Zardari
Monday said Pakistan wants peaceful settlement of outstanding
disputes with India, including the "core" issue of Kashmir and
differences over sharing of waters as normalisation of
bilateral ties is essential for durable peace in the region.

"For durable peace, we consider it essential to
normalise relations with India.
"We want an honourable and peaceful settlement of all
outstanding disputes, including the water issue and the core
issue of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the wishes and
aspirations of the Kashmiri people," Zardari said, addressing
the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament.
Pakistan does not want "an arms race in the region",
he said.
However, he contended that "a disproportionate
increase in military budget by the largest democracy does not
help the cause of arms reduction".
"We believe that dialogue alone will ensure peace and
understanding. We can fight militancy better through dialogue
and cooperation instead of doubting each other," Zardari told
the members of the Senate and National Assembly.
The address was also attended by senior political
leaders, the three service chiefs and foreign envoys.
Pakistan, he said, wanted a stable regional
environment and believed "in investing in our relationships".
The country will also continue to strengthen
cooperation within the SAARC framework, he said.
Zardari, who became the first President to address a
joint session of parliament for the third consecutive time,
described militancy and extremism as "the greatest threat to
our national security in recent times".
"I assure you we will fight the militancies to the
finish. We are prepared to risk our lives but we are not
prepared to surrender this great nation to the militants," he
said.
The government "will make peace with those willing to
give up violence but use force against those who challenge"
its writ, he said.
The government will also not allow Pakistan's soil to
be used for "terrorist activities against any other country",
he said.
"We will also not allow anyone to violate our
sovereignty. I assure you the sovereignty of Pakistan has been
protected and solemnly pledge that it will be safeguarded at
all costs," he added.