March, 24 2005	Thursday	13 Safar 1426

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

ISLAMABAD, March 23: President Pervez Musharraf said on Wednesday that peace moves by Pakistan and India could stall unless the two sides make progress on the key issue of Kashmir. “If progress is not made on the resolution of the real problems, the confidence-building measures will lose their impact,” President Musharraf said while addressing a Pakistan Day parade, marking the 65th anniversary of Pakistan Resolution.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who was the guest of honour at the parade, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, services chiefs, federal ministers, foreign diplomats and a large number of citizens witnessed the parade held at the capital’s Jinnah Avenue.

President Musharraf said Pakistan could not be oblivious to its defence and security and its armed forces were ever-vigilant for the defence of the motherland.

He also urged the nation to combat internal threats of extremism and terrorism through concerted efforts.

The president said Islamabad desired friendship with all its neighbours on the basis of principles of peace and sovereign equality. However, he made it clear that Pakistan desired peace and wanted to resolve all issues through negotiations but would never accept any pressure.

Pakistan wanted a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, he stressed.

“Innocent Kashmiris have been victims of tyranny and violence for decades, we stand by Kashmiris in their struggle — and will continue our diplomatic and political support for them until they succeed in their great objective.

“Our sincere prayers are with them,” the president said, reaffirming Pakistan’s unflinching moral support for the Kashmiris.

President Musharraf called for the need for both Pakistan and India to move away from their complicated past and said the two sides should show flexibility, courage and honesty of intentions to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir.

“In the light of September 2004 joint statement, we will have to explore such options for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute which are acceptable to all parties — Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri people,” he said while referring to the joint statement issued after his meeting with Indian prime minister in New York last year.

He welcomed the forthcoming commencement of the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service, saying it would help mitigate the difficulties of the Kashmiri people and families on both sides would have the opportunity to meet each other.

However, President Musharraf stressed that the bus service was not a substitute for Kashmir resolution.

“This bus service is not a substitute for the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute but a confidence-building measure.”

The president said Pakistan today faced no external threat but internal challenges in the form of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism and called for collective efforts to combat them.

“What we need is that in accordance with the Quaid-i-Azam’s principles of unity, faith and discipline, we make allout efforts for promoting enlightenment and moderation in the country.”

Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam, therefore, an inescapable responsibility devolved upon all of us that we project a correct image of Islam and the nation, he said.

“We should promote real values of Islam, including peace, unity, tolerance and brotherhood,” the president said and added: “This is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and we will not let its Islamic identity be distorted in any way.”

He said the threat the country faced, emanated from forces opposed to development and reform. “We have to promote the real spirit of Islam – enlightenment and moderation.”

The president said the government alone could not achieve this objective and needed wholehearted support of the masses.

“I appeal to the entire nation to strive for promoting peace and brotherhood and true values of Islam and extend support to the government in this endeavour.”

President Musharraf asserted that enlightenment and moderation did not mean adopting the western ways and values, but embracing moderation and enlightenment while staying within the ambit of ‘Haqooq Allah and Haqooqul Ibad’.

While observing that Pakistan’s economy had been put on sound footing and was progressing, the president said the benefits of economic turnaround would soon reach the common man.

On Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism, the president said the country had been contributing vitally to the campaign against the scourge.

“We are resolved that we will bring into use our full force against terrorism. An overwhelming majority of Pakistani nation favours moderation in life as taught by the great religion of Islam,” he noted.

President Musharraf said the elected government had taken several steps for the well-being of the nation.

“The government has been successful in its endeavours due to cooperation of the people — the people are supportive of these endeavours.”

He paid rich tributes of the armed forces for their exemplary spirit, courage and sacrifice in defence of the motherland.

“Whether it is the snow-capped mountains of Siachen or simmering deserts of Thar, plains of Punjab or mountains of NWFP and Balochistan, deep oceans or open skies, the armed forces have been steadfast.

“The entire nation is proud of their Armed Forces.”

Turning to the world scenario, he said it was changing rapidly, particularly the situation in our region had taken a quick turn. He said it was a matter of pride that Pakistan confronted the changing situation successfully and made correct decisions.

The president congratulated the parade commander, officers, jawans, junior and non-commissioned officers and all participants for their brilliant performance at the parade.

Welcoming his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai as the guest of honour at the parade, the president said his participation on the occasion was a manifestation of close brotherly relationship between the two nations. —APP