19 September 2004	Sunday	03 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 18: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday linked durable peace in South Asia to the resolution of Kashmir dispute. He said Pakistan would continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to the just cause of the Kashmiri people.

"Durable peace in South Asia can only be achieved by a peaceful solution of the dispute, a solution that is in line with the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people," he said while addressing the 35th session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council.

AJK President Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan, Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan and Minister Incharge of AJK Council Secretariat, Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat also attended the session.

Referring to the recent developments in Pakistan-India relations, he said Pakistan had always emphasized the need of a meaningful and constructive dialogue and the ongoing Composite Dialogue process was aimed at resolving all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

He reiterated Pakistan's sincere commitment to a serious, substantive and result-oriented talks with India.

"We hope that India will reciprocate these sentiments and join Pakistan in working together for the promotion of durable peace," he added.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan's continuing moral, political and diplomatic support to the just cause of the Kashmiri people.

Paying homage to the valiant struggle of the Kashmiri people, the prime minister said he had no doubt that their sacrifices for the cause will be rewarded and the will of the people of Kashmir will prevail.

"The people of Pakistan want to assure their Kashmiri brethren that they are not alone at this fateful stage of their valiant struggle," he added.

Prime Minister Aziz said India must realize the hard fact that without resolution of the Kashmir dispute "hopes for peace, progress and prosperity for the people of South Asia would not materialize."

He said that the Kashmir issue had always commanded complete national consensus in Pakistan and all Pakistanis were united in their support for a peaceful, political settlement of the dispute.

The premier said the cause of the people of Kashmir derived its strength from the steadfast resolve of the oppressed people for freedom.

"This cause is rooted in international legitimacy derived from the Charter of the United Nations and the sanctity of the relevant resolution of the Security Council," he added.

Speaking at the parliamentary party meeting of the PML and its allies at the Parliament House, Mr Aziz said that being the upper house of parliament, the Senate symbolized the unity of the federation.-APP