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| July 16, 2006 | Sunday | Jumadi-ul-Sani 19, 1427 |
Peace process must go on, says Durrani
KARACHI, July 15: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Durrani has observed that the people of both Pakistan and India want peace and said the peace process between the two countries must go on.
Talking to members of the Sindh chapter of the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society here on Saturday, he said it was in the interest of both the countries and their people to carry forward the peace process.
He said the Indian government was reacting emotionally, rather than adopting a pragmatic approach, in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that were strongly condemned by Pakistan and its leadership.
Noting that the composite dialogue launched in January 2004 was a momentous development, Senator Durrani hoped that New Delhi would show pragmatism and reconsider any move to stall the peace process.
Referring to confidence-building measures between the two countries, he said bold steps were needed to be taken to move the peace process forward.
He said even the peace-loving people in India would not welcome any attempt to freeze the peace process.
The minister underlined the importance of peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with aspirations of the Kashmiri people for durable peace and stability in the region. Pakistan’s stand on the Kashmir issue was clear, he said.
He said Pakistan believed in taking steps that were for the betterment of the common man by focussing on good governance, maintenance of law and order, poverty alleviation, generation of employment opportunities and provision of items of daily use on subsidised rates.
Mr Inquilab Matri, convener of the Sindh Committee of the APNS, highlighted problems being faced by member publications. He said several government-controlled institutions and corporations were issuing advertisements directly, on their own discretion, rather than routing it through the PID to ensure equitable distribution.
APNS secretary-general Qazi Asad Abid gave the minister details of acts of violence against journalists and urged the government to ensure safety of media people.—APP
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