January 20, 2003	Monday	Ziqa'ad 16, 1423

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RAWALPINDI, Jan 19: The federal information minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, has feared that European countries might also adopt the registration and naturalization system.

The minister was speaking at an award ceremony of Rawalpindi- Islamabad Photo Journalists Association (RIPJA) at Rawalpindi Press Club on Sunday.

The information minister said the issue could not be resolved so easily and people should not expect much from efforts being made to get the Pakistani nationals exempted from registration.

Commenting on Iraq issue, Sheikh Rashid, said the government would follow the Muslim world. Prime Minister Jamali will visit the Gulf countries next week to discuss issues related to Iraq crisis with heads of Muslim countries, he added. He hoped that the leaders would reach a consensus.

“As Muslims, our sympathies are with the people of Iraq,” he said. However, he supported the remarks expressed by President Musharraf that “we have to take into account the interests of Pakistan along with fulfilment of our duties as Muslims”.

On recent missile tests by India, the minister said these represent its hegemonic designs. However, Pakistan does not see any threat from Indian Akash missile, he added.

He said India should opt for dialogue with Pakistan on all issues, including Kashmir. People want peace and stability in the region, but if a war is imposed, it will be decisive, he added.

The minister said: “We can not abandon Kashmiris and want to solve this lingering dispute and pave way for improvement in relations in other fields.”

“India did try to alienate Pakistan after 9/11 terrorist attack on the US and has not given up.” India has been trying to equate freedom struggle in Kashmir with terrorism, he added.