KARACHI, Sept 1: The chief of the Qaumi Jamhoori Party, Air Marshal Asghar Khan, said on Monday that unless Pakistan and India develop friendly ties, democracy cannot flourish in the country.

“It is generally observed that the people of the country, apprehending any emergency situation always look towards the army”, he said while speaking at “Meet-the-Press” programme here at Karachi Press Club on Monday.

Referring to the Kashmir issue, he suggested that autonomous status be granted to Kashmir as both the countries have failed to resolve the issue during the last 50 years. It is causing wastage of resources.

He claimed that the people from both the countries are seeking better relations as evident from regular exchange of delegations in the recent past.

Regarding construction of Kalabagh Dam and the Thal canal projects, he proposed that the holding of a debate between the representatives of the provinces on TV.

He, however, dispelled the impression that Punjab is pilfering water share of Sindh. Criticizing the role of parliamentarians, he said they are merely interested in perks and have failed to deliver the goods.

“As political parties are not playing a positive role in accordance with their assigned obligations, it has paved the way for the intervention of the army in civilian affairs,” he said.—PPI