October 31, 2002	Thursday	Sha’aban 24,1423

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WASHINGTON, Oct 30: The Simla Agreement and international commitments bind India to work towards a peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute, Pakistan’s ambassador said here on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Pakistani and Kashmiri community members at the embassy, Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi said that article VI of the Simla Agreement specifically committed India to resolve the Kashmir issue jointly with Pakistan.

The embassy observed the day commemorating the Indian invasion and occupation of Srinagar on Oct 27, 1947.

At a ceremony, attended by the Pakistani-Americans, resident Pakistanis and Kashmiris, media and officials, the ambassador highlighted the importance of the day and said Pakistan would never compromise on its principled stand of supporting the Kashmiris freedom struggle.

Recounting the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people, Qazi underscored that any interim dialogue or final settlement of the dispute would have to include the representatives of Kashmiri people.

The ambassador said the All Parties Hurriyet Conference represented the Kashmiri people and shared similar views with Pakistan regarding resolution of the dispute.

He emphasized the need for a just and honorable settlement of the issue in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people and reiterated that Pakistan would continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to them.