KARACHI, April 11: Federal Information Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed here on Friday performed the opening of the 34th calendar and diary exhibition at the Sadequain Art Gallery.

The event was held under the auspices of the National Council of Culture and Arts Pakistan. As many as 124 calendars and diaries were put on display at the show.

In his speech, the minister lauded the efforts undertaken by the organizers and also advised them to continue their work with dedication and vigour.

On the occasion, Sheikh Rasheed announced a sum of Rs100,000 on behalf of the ministry of information towards such a venture.

Later, he distributed awards among the winners of different categories of the exhibition.

The President of NCCA, S.H. Hashmi, praised the leadership qualities of President General Pervez Musharraf and Information Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed.

Chief Organizer of the exhibition, Asif Maqsood, presented the welcome address.

The founding secretary general of NCCA, Masroor Hussain, also spoke.

Later, talking to newsmen, the minister said that Pakistan desires to settle the Kashmir issue in a peaceful manner through negotiations.

He, however, criticised the Indian approach in this regard.

The minister pointed out that India had suffered quite a number of setbacks after the 9/11 incident.

Elaborating, he said that India also wanted to implicate Kashmir in it. After the Afghan war, India desired that Kashmir should also become a case of terrorism.

Sheikh Rasheed pointed out that the US-led war in Iraq also resulted in frustration for India.

He, however, warned that if India resorts to any misadventure, Pakistan is in a position to give a befitting reply.

Sheikh Rasheed pointed out that India had constantly been coming up with threatening statements.

He said that India is a fit case for a preemptive strike and that it has kept its biological and chemical weapons in the neighbouring countries.

He urged India to talk of peace, friendship and enter into dialogue for the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Sheikh Rasheed was of the view that the entire world should get involved in the resolution of Kashmir issue.

He said that the Americans, the Britishers, Chinese and Japanese should also play their role in this very direction.

He dispelled the impression that after Iraq, Pakistan may be the next target.

Replying a question about the post-Saddam period, the minister said that the situation is not clear as yet.

Sheikh Rasheed pointed out that even the UN, the Security Council, the OIC, the NAM and the Arab League are confused on this issue.—APP