24 April 2005	Sunday	14 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

ISLAMABAD, April 23: Federal Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Saturday said discussions on Kashmir dispute had entered into an important stage which would eventually result in finding an acceptable solution. He was speaking at a press conference called to announce the day-long celebrations to be held on Sunday in honour of the winning cricket team.

“India needs to be less rigid and Pakistan will also be flexible over the Kashmir dispute. A possible solution is not far away,” Mr Ahmed said.

He rejected the gossips that Pakistan had won the cricket match but might not win in the political arena.

It was not about winning, but finding an acceptable solution to the Kashmir issue, he said, adding that the president’s visit was a positive step towards resolution of the dispute.

Replying to another question on Kashmiris visiting from the Indian side, the minister said: “We wish that Kashmiris in India will also visit Pakistan and we will welcome them by hosting a historical reception.”

During our visit we met members of All Parties Hurriyat Conference and other important Kashmiri leaders of the freedom struggle such as Syed Ali Shah Gilani, Yasin Malik, Agha Hassan and Shabbir Shah.

We wish to see these leaders united and join hands again. We hope that they will avail the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service and visit Pakistan, he said.

About Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Pakistan, Mr Ahmed said the Indian premier would hopefully be visiting Pakistan in the next one or two months.

Several issues will be discussed such as Siachen and Sir Creek maritime boundary. But the most important issue will be that of Kashmir, he added.

With regard to celebrations titled ‘Hai Koi Hum Jaisa’ to be held on Sunday, the minister elaborated that the programme was being organized to pay tribute to the cricket team. “The event is an effort to inculcate pride, self-esteem and dignity in the entire nation by celebrating the recent success in cricket.

PTV will hold a mega reception for the team in front of the Parliament House and will also run a day-long telethon (special live transmission) from 10am to 9pm to celebrate the victory of our cricket team.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will also host a reception for the team. This will be followed by a telecast of PTV’s live mega reception show and a prize distribution ceremony at the Convention Centre after news.

He said the selection of songs, choreography, performances and the set itself would highlight the theme of victory and promote confidence and nationalism.