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| July 22, 2003 | Tuesday | Jumadi-ul-Awwal 21, 1424 |
Resolution of disputes through talks sought
ISLAMABAD, July 21: Pakistan reiterated on Monday that the issue of Kashmir could be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions.
“If UN resolutions can be implemented in other cases, why not in the case of Kashmir,” said Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed.
Talking to a delegation from Bangladesh comprising writers, intellectuals and journalists led by Maj Gen retd Syed M Ibrahim, Sheikh Rashid said Pakistan wanted solutions to all issues, including the core issue of Kashmir, with India through a process of dialogue.
Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood and Managing Director PTV Akhtar Wiqar Azeem were also present on the occasion.
“We are sincere to hold dialogue, but now it is up to India to respond positively,” he said while replying to a question.
Responding to another question he said, Pakistan was ready to initiate trade ties with India provided it came to the dialogue table for seeking settlement of the Kashmir issue.
He said Pakistan was making efforts and looking forward to achieving lasting peace in the region.
When his attention was drawn towards the recently printed press statement of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee he said, mere press statements could hardly help improve the situation in the region. He said solid steps were required for dealing with the 50-year-old issue.
“Some practical steps should have been taken in this direction; the matter could be resolved through serious business,” he said.
He dispelled the impression that Pakistan was under some pressure over seeking resolution of the issues.
“It is the need of the hour that the issues be resolved for attaining lasting peace,” he said.
Replying to a question regarding relations with Afghanistan the minister said that the Northern Alliance, for the first time, was emerging as a power with Indian support.
However, he said, Pakistan supported President Hamid Karzai’s rule in Afghanistan.
He made it clear that no one could interfere in Afghanistan’s affairs.
“The Pakistan embassy in Kabul has resumed its regular functioning,” he said.
On Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, he said, both countries enjoyed cordial and brotherly relations.
He said new avenues were being explored to enhance the existing cooperation especially in the field of trade and commerce.
The minister supported the idea of exchange of youth, especially students on the basis of scholarships and said, the ministry of information was trying to work out how seats could be offered to Bangladeshi students in the field of journalism.
He also briefed the delegation on the political situation in Pakistan with special emphasis on matters related to the opposition.
He said Prime Minister Jamali had convened a joint meeting of all political parties on July 26 to ponder over controversial matters.
He said opposition members could play a healthy role in the development and uplift of the masses.
The Bangladeshi delegation is on a week-long visit to Pakistan and will also visit historical places apart from calling on senior government officials.
The delegation includes Prof AFM Yousaf Haider Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dhaka University and journalists.—APP
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