India must stop funding TTP and others or it will back fire on them.

I am a strong proponent of strengthening political institutions in Pakistan but I have started likening this guy more and more,He is such a straight shooter and sensible.

Than there will be no peace ever in this region... Sadly true

When Bilawal says the same, everyone bashes him, and now? Hello, Ghairat Brigade?

Yes true. Keep up the good work. Kashmir is the only issue that would resolve all issues of Pakistan.

Kashmir already divided almost on equal basis, what else you want now? can you please concentrate on development and growth now for the betterment of Pakistani people so that Pakistan can compete with India and China?

Wow no comments from Indian haters yet.

Pakistan needs pragmatic leadership...and General Raheel Sharif is an epitome of a pragmatic leader...

For any purposeful negotiations Pakistan will have to put their part of Kashmir and Gilgit baltistan also on the table. Then see what happens.

Lets be pragmatic. No Indian leader will dare to give an inch of kashmir. Many in India already question the concessions under Article 370. India must also realize that they will never get the part under Paistan's control. The Kashmirs have realized that they will bleed far more if they try to bleed India. Azadi, on both sides is not a possibility, at least not in the foreseeable future. Jammu and Ladkah are already not with the valley. The only solution. Turn the line of control into the international border and both sides get on with their lives.

Sisters and brothers, we Indian and Pakistani should stop fighting among ourselves. The only people that benefits from it are the rest of the world, and our subcontinent remains miserable.

Totally agree. Resolution of kashmir must be done immediately as per the wishes of kashmiris. We cannot have another 65 yrs of India forcing itself on kashmiris.

@Stunt "East is East and West is West and never the two shall meet," Rudyard Kipling

@hello Could be.

General Raheel Sharif is proving to be the VERY BEST Chief of Pakistan Army. Great personality and intelligence.

@ANT Reasonable, but both sides are loath to compromise. In South Asia the ego is always first to the table.

Among the entire lot, Raheel has emerged as a true leader with guts and courage

Contrast his talk with Musharraf's loud mouthed antics and undiplomatic remarks.

@ANT May be true, but for the sake for politics and/or face savings for both, lets start talking and LOC might become the international border. But we must start talking and not act like children.

Any kind of leadership whether in India or Pakistan cannot change the status quo. Two fifth of Kashmir is with Pakistan and three fifth of Kashmir is with India. This LOC will remain the same until something drastic happens.

Gilgit-baltistan is not part of Kashmir region nor they share any culture with Kashmiri.

@Srini not when Kashmiri's are brutally oppressed and not until they chose their own destiny as per UN resolutions.

Yes sir. I hope you understand the fact that there is no military or militancy solution of kashmir & it can be resolved only through peacful talks. And the solution will come by only when you talks with Indian govt; not Hurriyat conference.

Resolution of Kashmir dispute is neither necessary nor a guarantee of peace in the region. Both countries understand that and most people in the world understand that. The cause of unrest and wars and firing along LOC is far deeper than Kashmir. If ever Kashmir is resolved, there will still remain many causes for no-peace in the region.

Pakistan wants to solve kashmir problem so the India. Once I was watching Aapas ki baat talk show. In that show I heard Mr. Najam Sethi saying that Pervez Musharraf once told Mr. Sethi that Kashmiri leaders were once telling to erMusharraf that they don't want any help from Pakistan in solving their problems. If, I say if it is true what Mr. Sethi was saying than It is better for Pakistan not to involve in Kashmir issue. Let Kashmiris solve their problems with India. Or otherwise both India and Pakistan should sit together and make LOC a permanent border in between India and Pakistan.

Yes. But How ? . DO you have a solution ?

I hope z-e-a operations help in rooting out entire terrorism which has been so embedded within the political boundaries. Let India and Pakistan put the hatred on the sides and work with great collaboration having mutual respect for each other and work towards a great future ahead for everyone.

Show us Have a referendum in your part of kashmir

@Cynical It is better to get away from liking individuals and focusing on scrutinizing, criquing their actions and results. Of course it will take time. No one except the elected people are there as a result of people's choices. All appointees must be given time to establish their actions and results. It is true for all governments in all countries.

Kashmir is the key to peace.

Ultimately after 100 years we will Reunite .

@Srini Compete with China? In what respect? China is an "All weather Friend" of Pakistan as has been stated more than once. Why compete with India and in what respect? Its these nebulous ideas that keep people confused.

@ANT .. That is good enough a "solution" .. End this LOC garbage and make it the international border. Or ..do a referendum at both sides and see if they want to be an independant nation. We have Punjabis at both sides... We have Pathans in both Pak and Afg.. time to end this "dispute" and have Kashmiris on both side..

Need to table Kashmir and focus on internal development and wiping out terrorists. Face it: India will never cede any part of Kashmir. Neither will Pakistan or China for that matter. So what's the point? These statements take people's attention away from the mess that Pakistan finds itself in. As a start, opening up of overland trade routes would be of great help. Why is there the need to get Indian or Pakistani goods that are in demand in both countries, through UAE? I suppose I'm being naïve, and still have fond hopes of a better relationship between the two neighbours, Kashmir notwithstanding.

@ANT Get on with what life? Does any country need Kashmir 'resolution' to get on with its life? I think both can live for another 100 years without resolution of Kashmir. It is a red herring and a diversion from the realities of life in Pakistan. I don't recall India asking for the resolution of 'conflict' about Kashmir. It has gone on to do what was needed. May be not as much, but still pretty well.

@Srini It was never about competition with India or China, it is about rights and can you tell me how long do you want this India Pakistan war to continue on Kashmiri line of control?Kashmir issue must solve one day.

@EArden soo true, totally agreed.

@Ahmed USA For your information. General is not a leader. He is just another government servant. Will you make any federal secretary your leader

@Toordada terror and talk cant get together

I am sorry for state of Pakistan State.

@Range Rover Actually,its unfortunate we have double-standards in every issue..our PM is joke for democracy...COAS seems smart due to lack of capability of our political horses...but COAS is exact on this issue until the solution of kashmir how can peace come in the region...

Pakistan won't be able to get kashmir ceseded from indian possession unless it consolidates itself.There is no question of war regarding this issue.The only way ahead could be through UN for which you need to reinforce yourseld and get rid of foreign aid so as to put pressure on big guns of the globe. ' First deserve,then desire'.

It's resolved already. Pakistan has "azad Kashmir" and India has its Jammu n Kashmir. Now please let's focus on more important things like polio eradication, uplifting a sick economy and dismantling pakistan based terrorists.

Obviously COAS has not learnt anything from history. His army has lost half the country because of their fascination with India and Kashmir. The resolution of Kashmir is not going to happen in the next hundred years unless Pakistan changes its behavior and stops funding the terrorists who have already turned on it.. It is better the COAS concentrates on the terror within.

the settlement depends on how badly both the countries want it to be settled. Right now there isn't that much desperation. India will not give in its piece and Pakistan wouldn't want to give up the claim and turn LOC into IB and neither can give full independence.

@Shad any sources besides the ranting tv anchors and unscrupulous politicians and no one giving any meaningful proofs? if indeed there is a proof of india supporting terrorists, the govt will fall and all hue and cry will be raised in India.

kashmir can not be resolved soon... it will take time... ind share border with pak but not the destiny..... india will anyway move ahead...

No one can deny the importance of solving Kashmir to achieve peace. However it is my firm belief that peace is a precondition for the resolution of this problem, not the other way round.

When this guy speaks, the world listens. That is a fact whether anyone likes it or not.

@md imran Include Pakistanis too.

Kashmir issue is already resolved. We keep ours and you keep yours!

The Strategic Assets have not achieved a single goal neither in Afghanistan nor in Kashmir. Are they worth supporting any more?

@Kashor Absolutely right, bring all that was messed up by Britisher during 47' to the table and fix it from scratch, why just Gilgit/Baltistan, why not start with Hyderabad then?

Pakistan rotten political system can not be fixed. Military should control the Foreign, Defense, and Interior ministries. Military courts are already being set up and all the robbers and looters of national assets of Pakistan should be tried in Military Courts.

@raja hindustani well said Raja HIndustani!

Wars and freedom movement have run their course and Kashmir problem is no where near a solution. India is suffering the most because it cannot achieve its global ambitions so long as the ulcer of Kashmir stays open. Let India show flexibility and large heartedness and initiate the peace talks with the other two parties without any further delay. The other two parties too should show realism and move back from their maximalist positions which can be left for future generations.

General Sharif is trying to covey to the world that the army and whole country is serious about uprooting terrorism from Pakistan whether good or bad. In this process he hopes to gain the credibility and respect of world community which it lost after OBL was killed in Pakistan. But it will not be easy this time. He is only cutting a branch of a deep which is laden with dry seeds of terrorism which fall to the ground and will sprout out as new plants. The mammoth banyan tree of terrorism in Pakistan has been nurtured for too long and it will take even longer to uproot it. Truly the whole nation will have to participate in this endeavor and make it a national priority. As for as the relations with India is concerned, he should not devote much energy on it for the time being. Indian Govt is not going to give any space to Pakistan on terrorism issue and on issue of kashmir. India has suffered a lot and they would make sure that Pakistan really understands what is the meaning of hurt and pain. Only when Pakistan is strong enough internally and has convinced the world that it is no longer supporting and exporting terrorism, India and Pakistan can have meaningful dialogues and there will be hope for peaceful coexistence. .

Raheel Sharif has given UK & USA ultimatum, resolve Kashmir issue or border lines will be drawn.

Waste of time and space, this article. Even if the Kasmir issue does get resolved keeping all parties and people happy, I highly doubt if the relationships between the two countries can be peaceful....thanks to petty politics. Leaders on both sides will still blurt baseless rhetorics to garner votes and that will brainwash the common man to think and act against each other's interest. And on top of it we have issues of water sharing, MFN status, Dawood Ibrahim, and lots more. Regardless of what readers comment on this article, Kashmir issue will NOT resolve that easy.

@doniya They were part of Jammu and Kashmir state

Looks like the General is consolidating US/UK support and inching towards taking over the hot seat in government. These are some unusually long trips to Pentagon and London. Have we successfully diverted the peshawar anger on to something easier to blame and stay reasonably united?

But no one wants to listen to our story on the Kashmir,anymore.

@Srini - What a cockameany argument , it is n't divided Kashmir that anyone has to agree. Plebiscite under UN, let Kashmiris decide their future.

Forget the principle stand. Forget the rights of 14.5 million people when you can not give the rights to your 185 million people. People amputate whole legs in order to prevent the body from being infected . Kashmir is just a pinky... For the 8% Kashmiris the 92% Pakistanis are sufferring. Just imagine the amount of properity Pakistan can have once the huge defence budget is diverted to socio economic improvement.

@Atif Maybe Pakistan does, don't be so sure about the rest of the world.

@Indians we are here don't worry

@GA nonsense. Musharraf is a nationalist and a true patriot also

...Nothing can be done Stop wasting time on empty talk and focus on Pakistan...

Does it really matter what the chief of army of Pakistan says? No one in India cares any more. India is too busy working and growing its economy to care. India does not want your half of Kashmir. Keep it! And since you are so fond of bringing out a mention of nuclear weapons at the drop of a hat, remember that you can no longer threaten India with direct war. Sure you can keep up the pin pricks with jihadi attacks. But the world no longer cares to listen. This is a battle that has been lost long back. Best for Pakistan to move on and ask its friend China to help it grow.

@raja hindustani well said. Unfortunately militancy which was introduced in 1989 has spoiled the environment.

I have a simple question. Imagine we resolve the kasmir issue. Wht job JUD LET panjabi taliban Will do there after. Will they allow Pak to prosper or we will reapet what happened in afganistan after soviet exit. Pak should analyse this

First Bangladesh took independence from Pakistan. Now the situation in Pakistan is a million times worse than that in 1971. Balochistan and other regions want to leave Pakistan. Does anyone believe that kashmir will join Pakistan? If you want kashmir first try to give them a life better than what they have in India.

You are right general, kashmir resolution lies in returning Pak-occupied-Kashmir to India. This is the only solution which we can conceive, understand, and accept. if you or any body else is in reverie, that Kashmir can be snatched from India, than you are simply foolling yourself and peolple around. One more thing, pakistan must utilize its resourses in betterment of her people, their upliftment, creating safer society, better future for their off-springs, at least full fil the dream of creater of Pakistan, the term on which it was created after huge bloodshed from India. Our nation was once torned by your national heroes by their hyper fanatic persuations but today where is Pakistan and where is India, away apart.

Why Kashmir is so important for Pakistan ? Bangladesh revenge is it not ? India has a consistent stand let's develop Kashmir and rest of our populous in both sides of the border and take up the Kashmir issue after that, how does that sound ?

No matter how much Pakistani keep crying about Kashmir, nothing will change. India would not let go of any more territory. You have been trying for 67 years, and if India did not let it go when it was not much of a power, there is no way it would let it go now when arm twisting India is not an option. Having said that, UN resolution on Kashmir is not of a binding nature and condition for it can not be met until Pakistan vacates entire occupied Kashmir including Gilgit-Baltistan and take back Aksai Chin from China. Even if Kashmir is given to PAkistan, what would it do with it? It would ruin Kashmir just like all other provinces of Pakistan are. No gas, no electricity, no petrol, no security of life. When was the last time when 150+ school going kids were killed in Indian state of Kashmir? Pakistanis were to even able to hold half of their country. Whole Kashmir would be better off with India. Pakistan is a sinking boat. Anyone boarding on it, is bound to drown.

This General is getting more vocal every new day. Not a good omen for Pakistan.

@Zak you won't get this key if you are looking ! you need to look within pakistan to find peace, are your people at peace with what you have ?

Now Pakistan seriously need to think how much they have suffered due to Kashmir. Loss, loss loss...... You have lost most valuable part Bangladesh a emerging industrial hub, internal peace. etc etc etc. How can it be possible for Pakistan, that its national agenda be Kashmir centric. You have more other interim issue rather then this disputed area. We have Kashmir but we don't give too much importance even we never emphasise Kashmir and Pakistan. I know India is not going to compromise on Kashmir at any extent.

@Shad ANY evidence?

Hope one day there will be peace in the region .and we could get those billion dollars of defence budget invested in improving standard of living

@Akram u so right

@Srini u telling that to Pakistanis!!!

@Shad We do not fund TTP .it is just another gimmick like Kargil by Pakistan. Shad Taliban was created by Pakistan it is not a hidden fact whole world knows it. Many PAkistan and US leader has openly admit it. They were strategic asset for PAkistan which has backfired for Pakistan when Pakistan had to support NATO under worlds presure.

@N It was US which saved you when Pakistan on verge of bankruptcy. China might be using Pakistan for countering India just like US did against Russia. but they will never openly support PAkistan aganst India and simple reason is business. India- China has huge investment and business deals .

Both countries make these statements periodically due to domestic compulsions. so let's ignore these. There are only 2 or 3 municipalities in Kashmir valley that are apposed to India. Jammu and Ladakh want separate statehood within the Indian union. This issue is more complicated than meets the eye.

Kashmir is an integral part of India. Talks cannot be on a "equal" basis. As respect has to be earned not given. Water flows from higher altitude to lower. Thats how economics and international negotiations work.

No comments on Polio eradication by the COAS...

He stresses on equality, though Pakistan is no match to India's size - economically, militarily, geographically or on whatever parameters you may think of. He stressed in equality but doesn't talk about freedom of Kashmir that's under Pakistani rule. Is he really the Army Chief, or your foreign-cum-finance minister who visits countries and fetches aid for Pakistan, like he did from ths US.

Sir General,we are fueless! What do we do? Someone is pulling the rug under our feet and sabotaging our armies efforts to fight terrorism.Its economical and war sabotage,Sir!

@md imran What about the Hindu Sindhis. How about giving them a homeland too from parts of Sindh!!!!!

It is better Pakistan forgets it and moves on.. East Pakistan was lost because of Kashmir. Now Baluchistan may happen like that. Anyhow, Kashmiris in Pakistan side want independence and In Indian side Jammu and Ladakh region wants to be with India. So I do not see Kashmir as a whole becoming a independent country or becoming part of India or Pakistan.

This is one issue that Pakistani establishment, both civilian and military uses to keep enjoying their luxurious lifestyle, while leaving the Pakistani common man poor and backward. Seriously, it is time to ask what the elite leaders of Pakistan have achieved on their Kashmir agenda in the last 65+ years since independence from the British.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Only institution which can bring peace between the two countries is the military establishment of Pakistan. No one else has the power nor the will but the military of Pakistan. What you say for bringing peace, please do it. You have the God given power and authority, please exercise that influence of bringing peace between the two countries and make a history.

India is already peaceful. To hide their own inefficiency all pakistan leaders speak Kashmir

Since Arab countries and rest of the world are not supporting Pakistan, it is better to think some solution for Kashmir problem

Musharraf proved that this matter could not be resolved through negotiations as he did his best efforts in Agra to which India did not respond. The politicians on both the sides especially in India don't risk their politics on the issue. The control line has become a border practically. Even in distant future none of the parties seem to dominate the other enough to settle it down

@ANT .Well said. Truth is there can be no federation of India without Kashmir. India without Kashmir is like USA without New York state. So India will not budge an inch on Kashmir. Our Pakistani brothers must realize that most of our northern grid water and power supplies come from Kashmir, ladakh and Himachal. The northern grid is also the main source of our defence and military manpower. Already India has lost Aksai Chin and the Kailash range to China and lost Azad kashmir and karakoram of the northern areas to Pakistan. India is also conceeding land on the border with Bangladesh. So India cannot afford to lose anymore land.

@Atif "When this guy speaks, the world listens. That is a fact whether anyone likes it or not." True, his stAtements are all over the world media, CNN, BBC, AFP, Fox, Al Jazeera. Greatest and the bravest army chief in the world. What an impeccable personality. A true hero of the heroes.

When he talks about resolution of Kashmir, is he talking about handing over POK to India. I THINK WE should strongly object to this offer as we will take upon unnecessary headache. From the discussions, it seems like Pak wants India Kashmir??? For what? It is so funny that a country which is rotten into pieces and nobody dares to go there, wants more land??? These speeches must be a nightmare for the kashmiris but fortunately it wil never turn into reality.

@Srini; "so that Pakistan can compete with India and China" Competing with India is easy on a per-capita basis. Pakistan has been ahead of India most of the last 67 years. Our per-capita GDP was neck and neck when Musharraf resigned. Seven years of "democracy" has left us at least 30% behind India. Is general sahib doesn't get to the helm, we would be behind Bangladesh.

I sometimes wonder why Pakistanis are so obsessed with Kashmir. Most people who talk of a plebiscite and UN resolution don't even know how these evolved over time. They are stuck to a referendum passed in 1950s. However there have been other resolutions passed since then in the UN that make the 1950s resolution null-and-void. The wars and Shimla agreement further negate the validity of the 1950s resolution. Pakistan conveniently chooses to ignore these resolutions and go back to the 1950s resolution. If you people want true peace, then stop burying your heads in the sand, look at the situation in totality not just whatever is convenient for you.

@Manu Sharma USA; With a man like Raheel Sharif in command, doesn't take much to leave India in the dust. We have beaten India economically under all military governments.

By the actions being taken and commitment to eradicate and not support terrorists, the military and civilian authorities of Pakistan are doing right thing to meet the precondition of India for start of dialog on Kashmir. Now, the countries should start talking and stop shooting at each other. After they have resolved their differences and reached to a conclusion, it should be submitted to people of Kashmir, Indian and Pakistan occupied, for their approval. Final decision should be made by people of Kashmir and by no other country.

No Indian government can sign away Kashmir to Pakistan and still survive in office: Pakistan will throw out any such government. Besides, Parliament shall not ratify any such agreement. Someone will be sure to file a writ in the Supreme Court of India and drag the matter for decades, a la Berubari Union. Similarly no Pakistani government can stop talking about Kashmir and assuring its people that Kashmir is a ripe plum about to fall in their lap. The only possibility - but not a probability - is that there may be a large war (not a bilateral Indo-Pak war) in which India and Pakistan may be ranged on opposite sides and the winner takes the whole of Kashmir. If there were sensible leaders in India and Pakistan, they would make the present LoC the permanent IB. In the present circumstances, nothing else is possible. Pakistan should abandon its permanent anti-Indianism. That is the condition of life and peace. Going on with anti-Indianism is a sterile and destructive pastime. India today is counted among major economic powers of the world. Pakistan should follow the same path and make life better for its people and be a responsible player on the world scene. Terrorism is not the answer to any problem. In due time, it bites the hand that feeds it. Finally, it will serve no useful purpose to seek help from China or USA to put pressure on India. No external power ever succeeded in pushing India into anything. It never will. V. C. Bhutani, Delhi, 17 Jan 2015, 1108 IST

The country does not have money to buy crude at its cheapest in decades. Can someone please explain to me how solution of Kashmir issue which is more than 65 years old, will help the country make petroleum payments... I will be most obliged. Thanks in advance.

@Mustafa ....right now you have a country-wide oil shortage to worry about. Fix that first, then dream of beating India economically.

@Mustafa there was army rule in 1971.. all the wars with India were under army rule except kargil war which eventually was also under army rule

@Sonny Afridi you are here since 1947 ohh sorry half of you is here

@Kashor Gilgit-Baltistan was never a part of India and it never will be. We have gained our freedom with our own blood and no matter how Pakistan mistreats us we proudly claim ourselves as Pakistanis and we will continue to do so.

What does Pakistani leaders mean by 'peace with dignity and honor'...it is a pet word Pakistani leaders use invariably. What do they mean---who are they demanding it from? If they want honor and dignity, bring it along. It will reflect in your intentions, in your integrity, in your trustworthiness, in your actions. Dignity and honor comes because you have peace. So work for peace not dignity and honor. Equality comes when you talk and act like equals, not like bunch of egocentric and arrogant individuals. These are my observations over the past 10 years. Pakistan is only as weak and unequal as it perceives itself to be and as strong as it acts towards peace for its citizen's sake. I also have my own observations of Indian leaders as well. I will speak when my turn comes.

A humorous way of killing a mouse is by setting up what is called the "Kaju-Kismiss trap". Basically, what you do is take a sharp curved sickle, and on one end of the sickle stick a "Kaju" (cashewnut) and on the other end stick a "Kismiss" (raisin). Soon enough a mouse will come along and see both these tasty treats stuck on both ends of the sickle. Wracked by indecision on which succulent treat to take first and wanting both at once, it would move close to the sickle and look to each side rapidly from left to right and vice-versa going "Kaju-Kismiss?, Kismiss-Kaju?, ..." and so on. In the process, it would forget that its neck is moving closer and closer to the sharp edge of the sickle directly in front of it and consequently, get its throat cut. Pakistan is currently that mouse and in its greed to get both the Kaju (Kashmir) and Kismiss (Economic Prosperity), it's neck is moving ever closer day by day to the sharp edge of the sickle (Jihadi threat).

Just read todays news on Dawn that there is no petrol and diesel in Pakistan. Petrol pumps are closed. Fuel reserves stand at 3 days inventory. Pakistan has arrears worth 100 billion rupees for fuel. But they still have time to fight for Kashmir. Wow. You will let your own house burn to ashes but you will keep fighting for Kashmir. Three generations of Pakistanis have fought for Kashmir at every forum in the world. And what is the net result? 3 days of fuel.

@Mustafa in which world are u living india is currently $ 2 trillion economy behind only usa,china and japan and very close to japan which is $4 trillion.in next 10 years world bank has predicted that india will be $10 trillion economy next only to usa and china.behind us there is russsia with $1 trillion.where is pakistan in the picture with less than $100 billion in which 90 billion comes from aid from usa and europe. prediction of world bank in 2040 is china $72 trillion economy,usa $38.2 trillion and india $37 trillion.

The best and permanent long term solution would be to form a confederation of autonomous states in the subcontinent, from Kashmir to Kerala, from Baluchistan to Bengal. In such a union where each state can cherish its linguistic and ethnic identity while the center can ensure security for all is the best solution. That would be the heritage of

@Zak You know that UN resolution says that Pak has to first withdraw troops and handover entire Kashmir to Indian troops. And later when tensions subside , India have to hold a peblicite . Now do you trust india enough to handover Azad Kashmir? Careful what you wish for. Do not keep repeating what you heard from some dumb tv analyst without researching for yourself.

@Atif he is a civil servant. Only in Pakistan you place army on pedestal . In India, Bangladesh and Srilanka , army chief needs to wait in line to get appiontment in PMO.

Dispute about KASHMIR is only in the minds of Senior Officers of the PAK Army.It is only by raking the Dispute that the Army can justify their predominant Role in the affairs of Pakistan.As far as INDIA is concerned,the whole of Kashmr has already merged into INDIA as a result od deed of Accession signed by the Kashmir Maharaja HARI SINGH with INDIA in 1949.When PAKISTAN was not able to retain East Pakistan in their fold,where is their justification of talking about Kashmir?

"Resolution of Kashmir dispute necessary for peace in region" 100 % correct.....but the game has changed and it has to be now achieved only under India's terms and conditions....and those terms and conditions have been on the table for a while now.....and for most Pakistanis that aren't aware , you may watch article 370 made redundant in the not so distant future... ....Such is the game now and such are the rules.....

Good luck with that...... Many politicians, Generals came and went with this dream.

@ANT Sensible approach. If anyone thinks that J&K can be snatched away from India he is insane. It will not be very distant future when Pakistan side of Kashmiris starts demanding joining to J&K to be part of India since the people starts comparing standard of life of Indians with those of Pakistanis. Example: why people are attracted to migrate to US? Its opportunities and standard of life! When you are part of Kashmir if you seek this, can anyone blame you? It will be prudent for Pakistan to pre-empt for a resolution of this issue once and for all by finalizing the so called LOC as international borders and bury hatchets and try to extend hand of friendship by disowning and discarding terrorism so that Pakistan too develop and become part of the comity of developed nations.

An independent Kashmir in no time will become a fertile headquarter of Talibans and Al Quedas. Neither Pakistan, nor India or World would agree to it. Kindly be practical and pragmatic. While no power can take Indian Kashmir away from India, the world can settle with Pakistan having sovereignty over POK. Making LOC as international boundary is the BEST and probably ONLY solution. This will give both the countries to focus attention on development and growth. For Gods sake accept this as only solution. Otherwise, one could fight for 60>600>6000 years, things would not change.

I wonder how come COAS of Pakistan is moving all over the world and speaking on all matters including foreign affairs as if he is the head of state of Pakistan. Speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London "he stressed for better relations with India and urged that negotiations between the two countries over Kashmir must be made on an equal basis." Where are Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan? Seems Pakistan will remain a big puzzle for the world.

From 1947 we are talking of Resolution of Kashmir dispute,anything happened? Accept the reality and that's all.

@Zak :come take it?oh! im sorry you dont have fuel to last 7 days.my bad

After 1971 and 1999 wars, India has cemented its superiority in conventional warfare. The only way in which any resolution can be reached is through peace. Lahore 1999 was a golden opportunity but was ruined by a certain very ambitious general. The present Indian government, which will probably stay in power for more 9 years is being led by an aggressive no-nonsense man. His stance to Pakistan is- stop supporting these people who India terms as terrorists and Pakistanis as freedom fighters and do not engage in any discussion with separatists. For India, Pakistan engaging in discussions with separatists is like Indian foreign minister going to Pakistan and meeting separatists of Balochistan. Pakistan needs to understand that despite Kargil, 2001 Parliament attack and several bomb blasts India has been willing to talk peace with Pakistan. Evident from the fact that started sending our cricket teams to Pakistan during the first half of 2000s but all that changed after 26/11. Efforts now need to be made by Pakistan and not India.

Pakistan government appear to have abdicated its foreign policy in favor of its Army Chief, who is acting in UK like Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Is it not a slap on the face of democracy in Pakistan and a shut up call for the political elites of Pakistan. The words of Gen. Pervaiz Mushraf, in his last interview that 'Pakistan is witnessing 'civil martial law' are not untrue. Has the West-America, the so-called champions of Democracy in the World, any morality or ethics? On the one hand they support democracy but under hand they feel easy and are found sharing the bed with Military of Pakistan. The policy of West on democracy changes with their petty national interests and from their hearts they have no love or regard for democracy or norms of democracy. These double standards of the West are the basic cause of lack of trust on the West and this is basically the reason for emergence of groups like Talaban, ISIS and sort of others prevalent in the World. In this depressing and frustrating state of affairs to think of genuine peace in the world appear to be building castle in the air. The West should be ashamed of its double standard morality and its claims of 'Supporters of Democracy in the World.

@doniya tell this to Hurriat leaders and you will get shocking response,

@Mian Shahid Mehmood : Our political "leaders" have failed and "democracy" in its present form has not worked for the People. In order of priority, we first need a real leader who has the vision, will and capability to reform the entire system. General Raheel has demonstrated the desired leadership skills.

@Khurram there is no link between the two. You got your Hyderabad Sind and India prevailed upon Hydrabad Deccan

If you want to discuss Kashmir it will not be according to your wish...We also have huge stakes in Kashmir so you also have to be ready to make concessions and give some territories to us...it will not be one sided affair...remember that

@anon It is only and acquired nationality. I can understand your praise for pakistan. Life will be far better when you rejoin main state of J&K .

I am not sure if GENERAL's saying this will change anything :-( We lost Bangladesh and Kargil under generals. India is strong because of democracy. He should be PROMOTING that first as opposed to giving speeches that mean NOTHING.

@AW This sort of quality was demonstrated by Zia first and later Musharaf - but end of the day they were military generals and shown their colour and quality in time. You need a leader of charisma who steadfastly believe in democracy and principles who will not change colour like chemaleon.

I mean whatever you call it, cultural, political or whatever, but Indians find it utterly absurd; this kind of statement being made by Military General.. It's should be PM of defense minister or any other senior politician. From indian point of view it's so absurd we don't even know what our chief of staff look like? Or what he talks? On the contrary Pakistani generals make statements and plasters all over the media. It's kind of looks absurd.

First Pakistanis should solve their petrol problems.

@doniya and they are part of Pakistan as drawn up in 1947 and accepted by both countries.

@nabil Pakistan is in no position to give any country any ultimatum. This is your problem;you attach too much importance to yourself while your so called "friends" have constantly used you,abused you and then discarded you throughout your brief history. Seems you are destined forever to never learn your hard lessons !

he is just another Pervez Musharaf.

First Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru was Kashmiri. According to amendment 370 in Indian Constitution only Kashmiri people can purchase Land, property in Kashmir. Indian govt. "built/construct" Highways, Railways, Dams, Hydro project, Schools,Collages, Play grounds, Airport, IT Park in Kashmir. Bollywood once again start shooting in Kashmir after gap of 25-30 years, which also helps to increase Tourism. Today Kashmiri handicrafts and agro products are exported to many countries. and Pakistan firing at border to divert/run from their internal issues to Kashmir. Resolution of Balochistan, Sindh, Pakhtunkhwa, Thar Parkar dispute necessary for peace in region. what about Pakistan side Kashmir? what Pakistan achieved in last 67 years to be proud upon -only copied everything from India and buy everything from China.

Did he also tell you that PIA maybe blacklisted in India for illegally buying properties here? While oil is not available for general population , state insitiutions of PAK don't follow or respect any norms

@AW; In your eyes who ever keeps flexing muscles against India, even for show, is the real leader and has all the leadership qualities. What he does to Pakistan and its people is not important.

The only problem of Kashmiris in India is to get the degree of autonomy they want from India.They will never join Pakistan no matter what Geelani and others say or try.Pakistan in any case will not give up POK nor give it independence,so how can India be expected to do any different.Its better the LOC is made the border,and relations between the two countries normalised.This will allow Kashmiris on both sides of the border to move freely with passport and visa. Its time for the two countries to be practical and move on,if Pakistan does not its the loser,as its industries cannot tap the huge Indian market as China is doing at the moment inspite of the boundary dispute.

@Indians beating the dead horse, again. getting old. we got stuff to do, frontiers like MARS to go.

@Zak touting your madrasa education, I see.

Resumption of dialogue must begin with the grant of MFN status to India, which Pakistan has not done so far in spite of India's having done so years ago

And what according to Pakistanis is a reasonable settlement

This is a 68 year old dispute and too late for any country, i.e India or Pakistan to forgo even an inch of land to other country. Pakistan has also ceded Buddhist part of Kashmir (Ladakh region) to China and hence the claim according to the wishes of people is all bull. Lets forget past and work for development of people on either side with actual Line of Control as defacto border.

@Mustafa And went to all major western capitals with begging bowls.

Is hostility helping you develop your country ?

@Atif when this guy speaks, the world listens .... and then promptly proceeds to ignore him !!! Lol !!!

@Pakistan We have had this war for the last 67 years and India have the ability to carry on for atleast another 67 .... Pakistan, on the other hand, has 3 days worth of fuel reserves left and many millions of dollars of debt .... who do you think needs to compromise more????