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Thursday, May 01, 2008
Pakistan will continue backing Kashmiris’ stance, says Gillani
* PM says Balakot will be country’s 2nd most beautiful city
MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan will continue its support for the resolution of Kashmir conflict according to desires of the Kashmiris, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani said on Wednesday. Addressing a joint session of the Kashmir Council and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, the premier said the new government would continue with its Kashmir policy, as the foundation of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was laid down on the basis of the Kashmir conflict. He urged the international community to fulfil its promise and come forward with a resolution to the conflict. Commenting on Indo-Pak composite dialogue, he said his government would continue talks with India to achieve a “result-oriented” outcome. The lives of 1.3 billion people are linked to the Kashmir dispute, he added. He said his government would also continue the previous’ government policy of ceasefire with India. He viewed the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service as a “good omen” between Pakistan and India. The new government will promote tourism and trade between the Kashmiris of the two sides, he added. Gillani said that new entry points would be opened on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) to promote trade. He also called for an end to human rights violations in the valley, and prayed for the victims of October 2005 earthquake. He said he would monitor rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the quake-affected areas of Kashmir. He said he would also visit Mirpur to address the problems facing those affected by the Mangla Dam raising project. He ordered the Ministry for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas to resolve the problems of those affected by earthquake and Mangla Dam raising project. AJK Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan said the process of composite dialogue with India should continue for a “meaningful result”. Peace in South Asia is linked with the resolution of Kashmir conflict, he said. Balakot: Separately, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Phase-2 of the New Balakot City in Bakrial, Mansehra, Gillani said the city would be built on modern lines and made a tourism destination. After Islamabad, he added, Balakot would be developed as the second most beautiful place in the country. Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) Deputy Chairman Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmad briefed Gillani about the project. agencies
Courtesy Daily Times