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| 21 February 2004 | Saturday | 29 Zilhaj 1424 |
Dialogue to help resolve Kashmir issue: PM
LAHORE, Feb 20: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali said on Friday that all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India, including that of Kashmir, would be resolved as a result of the ongoing dialogue process.
However, he did not say whether or when the Kashmiris would be given representation in the parleys.
Talking to reporters at the conclusion of the prize distribution ceremony of the national horse and cattle show at the Fortress Stadium, the prime minister said the aim of the composite dialogue was to settle all matters including the Kashmir issue.
When asked if the Kashmiris would be involved in the dialogue between the two countries, the prime minister said: "Talks are being held for the sake of Kashmir and the Kashmiris." Mr Jamali denied that US troops were also taking part in the operation being carried out in tribal areas.
Asked whether the government would call a national conference as demanded by MMA leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed to discuss the challenges facing the country and find solutions, the prime minister said the opposition should mind its own business and let the government focus on its duties.
"We never stopped the opposition from performing its duties, and they should also do the same."
He told a questioner that Pakistan was under no international pressure on any account. Still, he said, the government had been taking parliament into confidence in the past and would continue to do the same in the future".
The prime minister said the federal cabinet would be expanded soon. Mr Jamali was all praise for the horse and cattle show and the arrangements made by the Punjab government in this regard. He said he wanted the show to be held every year.
He announced a grant of Rs100 million for the construction of a stadium in the city. He also gave Rs2 million for the schoolchildren who took part in the unity show. Another Rs500,000 have been announced for the military band.
Governor Khalid Maqbool, Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Local Government Minister Basharat Raja and Lahore Nazim Mian Amir Mehmood were also present on the occasion. The prime minister is scheduled to visit Okara on Saturday to preside over a mass-marriage ceremony there.
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