June 9, 2002	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 27,1423

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ISLAMABAD June 8: Chief of Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Friday warned the world community against imposing a solution of Kashmir dispute.

Any deviation from the stated stance on the right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir would not guarantee peace in the region on a long-term basis, he observed.

Responding to newsmen’s questions with reference to the ongoing efforts at defusing the India-Pakistan tension, and the visits by the international dignitaries, he said merely putting the blame on Pakistan for cross-border terrorism and ignoring India’s human rights violations in Kashmir was, in effect, a one-sided support of Indian policy.

Prominent lawyer Nawab Ahmed Raza Qasoori announced joining the PTI on the occasion.

He said he subscribed to the Tehrik views on establishing a corruption-free society, even-handed and transparent accountability, rule of law, impregnable defence of the country and the will to bring the nation out of leadership crisis.

Imran Khan said if the freedom struggle by Tamil Tigers, the Palestinians and the Chechens could not be suppressed despite the use of military might, the indigenous freedom movement of Kashmiri people can also go on indefinitely in spite of Indian army’s repressive actions and pressures applied by the international community.

Responding to a question with regard to his party’s support to Gen Musharraf’s government, he said: “Our support was for post-Sept 11 scenario when Pakistan faced the prospect of being declared a rogue state, but we have been criticising the military government on almost all other matters, including its failed economic policy and selective accountability.”

He said the accountability initiated by the military government was not across the board as those who got along the rulers were exonerated while the opponents were subjected to a grilling process and intimidation.

Asked if he would join the opposition in demanding reconstitution of the Election Commission after its credibility loss in the wake of referendum, he said, yes, it was necessary to replace the Chief Election Commissioner to address public concerns.