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NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has pitched for creating a trade corridor between South Asia and Central Asia involving both India-held Kashmir and Azad Kashmir as its “nucleus”, reports said on Tuesday.
They said that Ms Mufti proposed the idea on the lines of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Speaking in the disputed state’s Legislative Council, she said such a corridor between the two emerging economic hotspots would help forge a new regional cooperation, energy transformation, trade and transit.
The subcontinent was historically linked to Central Asia through Kashmir and “taking advantage of its geographical location, Jammu and Kashmir could become a nucleus towards forging a new economic alliance in the region”, Ms Mufti was quoted as saying while winding up the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on Governor’s Address.
“The oil and gas resources of Central Asia are the nearest and most economical answers to South Asian energy needs and J&K can help foster energy cooperation in the region,” she said.
“This will create favourable conditions for Jammu and Kashmir to play its natural role of connecting the two emerging economic zones and lift itself out of political and economic fragility.”
She said: “Such an arrangement will supplement the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor through this part of Kashmir.”
The trans-Kashmir corridor, with diverse sub-corridors, Ms Mufti said, “was symbolic of relative peace, prosperity, cross-cultural and ideological fertilisation and human security until late 1940s”.
India’s overland connections with its northern neighbourhood got ruptured due to partition in 1947, she said.
“However, the current reopening of traditional trans-Jammu and Kashmir and trans-[Azad Kashmir] routes is strongly felt in view of the transforming geo-economic and geo-political scenarios at the regional and global levels.”
She said that not only the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot Roads that have already been opened for movement of people and goods, all the traditional road links including Suchetgarh-Sialkot road, Kargil-Skardu road, Bandipora-Gurez-Gilgit road and Nowshera-Mirpur road can be and should be opened for free movement of people and goods in the region.
Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2017
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Comments (94) Closed
Jan 18, 2017 12:02pm
That way, India can export its goods to China and from China to Pakistan directly rather than routing via middle-east
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Jan 18, 2017 12:04pm
excellent idea. We can now start working on same currency and open borders. and still keep country names.
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Jan 18, 2017 12:14pm
Good idea.
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Jan 18, 2017 12:17pm
@Ali, That's great! But we can convince the ultra patriotic people of the both sides of the border that it is good for the entire sub-continent?
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Jan 18, 2017 12:21pm
Indians must accept the reality of Pakistan whole heartedly before we can proceed towards such drastic but positive measures
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Jan 18, 2017 12:16pm
that's very good idea
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Jan 18, 2017 12:24pm
There's an old saying, If goods don't cross borders, armies will. So lets trade goods and goodwill. An idea worth pursuing for.
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Jan 18, 2017 12:25pm
this proposal should be considered by both nations of South Asia.As firm trade ties with Central Asia would pay outstanding positive impact on economy of our region
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Jan 18, 2017 12:32pm
Bad idea
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Jan 18, 2017 12:35pm
We gonna setup largest hydel power generation in kashmir.. well.. we may need 80% of water from Indus :-)
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Jan 18, 2017 12:43pm
Good that politicians are thinking about development rather than creating hatred.
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Jan 18, 2017 12:50pm
First we dismiss CPEC but now seeing its success we also want it.
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Jan 18, 2017 12:54pm
@Khawar Saleem Aslam . It's a good idea; however, who is gonna listen to her?
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Jan 18, 2017 01:05pm
It seems she has new Delhi Govt. backing behind this proposal
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Jan 18, 2017 01:08pm
No one takes her seriously and she has no credibility amongst her people.
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Jan 18, 2017 01:19pm
Very Good Suggestion, India and Pakistan have to make a start somewhere. India should whole heartedly support CPEC and Pakistan should permit India to use Pakistan to transport goods to Afghanistan . Increase trade and man to man interaction will pave way for future peace and resolution of all disputes including Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan need to think beyond LOC and Kashmir
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Jan 18, 2017 01:19pm
Oh so the good CM of J&K feels that all those folks protesting against Indian occupation actually wanted an economic corridor.
First solve the basic questions of freedom and choice, cultural heritage, respect for common people. Then go about peddling your economic wares - everything in this world is not up for a price.
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Jan 18, 2017 01:29pm
@Kishore
This is not a new Idea. India had long back put idea to link Vietnam with central Asian countries.But Pakistan did not agree.
As it stands now A8 lane Highway is under construction between India and Vietnam.
By end next year one would be able to drive up to Thiland.
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Jan 18, 2017 01:30pm
We Indians don't need such attrocious ideas to be implemented
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Jan 18, 2017 01:37pm
Good idea if this happened then Kashmir issue will be solved by development in J &k
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Jan 18, 2017 01:43pm
Don't allow India to join CPEC till Kashmir merges with Pakistan. The present idea is nothing but pleading China and Pakistan to allow them to be part of CPEC.
They know the potentiality and also admit that they are isolated from this great opportunity.
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Jan 18, 2017 02:08pm
Why not, if you as CM of Occupied Kashmir help us in freedom and later annexation with Azad Kashmir, you will be directly benefited by CPEC .
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Jan 18, 2017 02:14pm
Good thought,India should accept it out of box
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Jan 18, 2017 02:21pm
@Zak from panama " Don't allow India to join CPEC'
You can always give one chance to India ...! More the merrier !!
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Jan 18, 2017 02:57pm
Keep dreaming Ms Mufti. Modi assigned minister to sabotage CPEC and you are talking making CPEC success or copy it. Your govt will fail anyway and there is no solution of Kashmir but merger with Pakistan sooner or later that we shall see...
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Jan 18, 2017 03:15pm
She finally came into her senses that there is no escape people in IOK don't like her becasue she is puppet of bjp
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Jan 18, 2017 03:14pm
Has she studied Geography or History. If so she would know that the GT Road was built to connect Punjab to Bengal by the Maurya dynasty some 2000 years ago. It was extended by Sher Shah Suri in the sixteenth century (Hamayun period) to connect central Asia (Samarkand) to India. It still remains the most direct route and goes nowhere near Kashmir
The modern GT Road runs from Kabul, Jalalabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, GujranWala, Lahore, Amritsar, Dehli and on to Aurangabad and just West of Kolkatta.
I agree with Begum Mufti that we should trade more with each other but the people dying in the streets of IOK are calling for something other than a trading corridor with Azad Kashmir I suspect.
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Jan 18, 2017 03:17pm
@Zak from panama ...really...the massive loans which will add a lot of taxes to common man in Pakistan through CPEC only helps China reach the Indian Ocean....India already has all the access it needs to the Indian Ocean.....
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Jan 18, 2017 03:36pm
Unique idea and intelligent too.Is it placed without any nodding from New Delhi authority?However, it shows the regionally and geographically better positioned Pakistan's supremacy.As Indian desire to isolate Pakistan is not fulfilling and her old friend Russia is not impressed, this idea may help to open a new avenue.Now she should say what is next?
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Jan 18, 2017 03:46pm
This is how India is saying yes to CPEC- since Modi will loose incited public support after fake srugical strikes stunt.
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Jan 18, 2017 03:48pm
@Zak from panama. What does 'joining' CPEC even mean?..as the name suggests its a road or routes for trade and value is only if trade takes place across it. China benefits by reaching places to sell its goods and Pak mainly by much needed development of infrastructure which is lacking. If India also uses the route to sell/buy to and from C asia then its only beneficial to C&P isnt it?
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Jan 18, 2017 03:57pm
Every step taken to unite the world should be welcomed! There should be open trade and equal opportunities for nations to prosper and grow.
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Jan 18, 2017 03:58pm
@Govind ..Never!!
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Jan 18, 2017 04:19pm
@Govind ......Kashmir is the obstacle needs settlement, without Kashmir nothing can proceed ahead. Indians have already done their best to obstruct CPEC for which huge expenditure has been incurred on security both by China and Pakistan.
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Jan 18, 2017 04:19pm
This probably is the best solution to move forward for all parties involved. Rise above narrow politics and do something substantial for people.
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Jan 18, 2017 04:48pm
It's good to see that the J&K government is finally talking in favour of betterment of Kashmiri people. Though this could only be possible if Kashmir issue is resolved politically between India and Pakistan. Ms. Mehbooba should coerce BJP government to enter into talks with Pakistan for resolving Kashmir issue.
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Jan 18, 2017 04:50pm
@Let bygone be bygone that is a. wet positive approach. you cannot always have a tense situation in your neighbourhood. time to let peace prevail through trade
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Jan 18, 2017 04:48pm
politics aside she has shown what fruits lie ahead if Pakistan and India put aside their animosity and make peace. This of course would be just the tip of the iceberg, do we really want to leave such animosity behind as a legacy for our childrens generation?
any competition between the 2 should be on the cricket pitch.
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Jan 18, 2017 04:51pm
Not possible.
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Jan 18, 2017 04:58pm
First help us get the water shares and give determination rights to the kashmiri people. You are nothing but a puppet government who can't control the atrocities in the state despite all the talking
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Jan 18, 2017 04:56pm
@Foreman ". Indians have already done their best to obstruct CPEC for which huge expenditure has been incurred on security both by China and Pakistan."
Instead of CPEC , India and Pakistan can start trade through waterways under Indus Water Treaty as many rivers flow across the landscapes. Think about it !
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Jan 18, 2017 05:06pm
@Govind The issue my friend is that India should trade through Pakistan, however this cannot happen whilst the voice of democracy in Kashmir is suppressed as it has been. I have no desire to grab Kashmir, but I do have a desire that they should be allowed the democratic choice to decide their future, including the Kashmiri Pundits who have moved from the area.
Democracy my friend is what both nations purport to follow, implementing its true spirit is the answer to a better future for both peoples. The existing status quo only strengthens our enemies.
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Jan 18, 2017 05:08pm
@Hydro hegemony ....If you take a Rs 10 worth of a map showing the rivers flowing into Pakistan, you will be surprised that Indus water treaty is a segment. Let's explore the northern rivers for trade and transit before coming on to Indus water treaty which already stands settled. CPEC is much beyond the reach.
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Jan 18, 2017 05:17pm
Tragedy of both Kashmirs and Palestinians is that they are burdened with leaders like Shaikh Abdullah ans his family and Arafat and Abbas, who through their selfishness and mediocrity has kept both the people under occupation.
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Jan 18, 2017 05:17pm
@Foreman " Kashmir is the obstacle needs settlement, without Kashmir nothing can proceed ahead. "
War and Fights between India and Pakistan are the biggest obstacles in every possible way. Solve the Attitude Problem before taking up Kashmir issue ... !
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Jan 18, 2017 05:16pm
A novel idea for solution through merging and accession of India held Occupied Kashmir to Pakistan. This way Kashmir can automatically become a part of CPEC .
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Jan 18, 2017 05:25pm
Good idea both the country's will benefit immensely
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Jan 18, 2017 05:40pm
India will never get land access to Central Asia less alone getting land access via Azad Kashmir.
Pluss to be honest, after Indian support for terror outfits like TTP, BLA and RAW's Kulboshan Yadev type of people we will be risking our security by allowing Indians land access to Pakistan.
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Jan 18, 2017 05:46pm
And she will send police with pellet guns to blind any Kashmiri who dares travel on it
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Jan 18, 2017 05:48pm
Easier said than done.
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Jan 18, 2017 05:46pm
@Mohajir Why not directly to Pakistan. Thus commission that needs to be given to third country can be avoided.
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Jan 18, 2017 06:09pm
Anything to bring the nations together SHALL be "MODI fied"
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Jan 18, 2017 06:42pm
India’s overland connections with its northern neighbourhood got ruptured due to partition in 1947, she said.
Not ruptured due to independence in 1947 but Indias illegal UN violating occupation of kashmir. That is what stopped their progress. Until they hold UN plebiscite, the road is closed , till further notice- thank you.
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Jan 18, 2017 06:38pm
@ShahRyar shiRazi no need to accept or not, not their business. Only UN kashmir plebiscite accepted.
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Jan 18, 2017 07:10pm
Good idea, but India will not accept the idea for strategic reasons.
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Jan 18, 2017 07:27pm
@Khwarazmi
Well said. I couldn't agree with you more.
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Jan 18, 2017 08:11pm
@Joe that's surely a good news.
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Jan 18, 2017 08:13pm
@Siddhartha read the history of saarc specifically why it did not succeed, and then make comments. Otherwise going to make a fool of yourself
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Jan 18, 2017 08:25pm
No value added trade with india unless issue of kashmir is permenantly seateled according to the will of kashmiris
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Jan 18, 2017 08:45pm
@Avik Ray ....I know where your coming from you read news on TOI your side story. India told small countires like afgh,bangladesh and Bhutan not to participate in SAARC in islamabad. How could have pakistan went ahead with meeting when India and three other countries weren't participating?? Modi now realized the mistake and regrets it. He couldn't isolate pakistan instead lost Russia to pakistan.
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Jan 18, 2017 08:52pm
@Waqas so much in agreement! Word!
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Jan 18, 2017 08:56pm
Yeah, the thing is CPEC is too much of a trouble for India and its puppets. Instead of giving out these ideas, how about asking Modi to stop manufacturing a water war with Pakistan and instead focus on resolving the Kashmir dispute according to the UN resolution? That would open more doors than a corridor.
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Jan 18, 2017 09:06pm
Horrible idea. Nothing should happen until Kashmir is free from Indian occupation.
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Jan 18, 2017 09:39pm
@Zak from panama : First of all, tell us how is CPEC of any use to India? It is not, and further, what does joining CPEC even mean? CPEC is not like EU, that one joins for common economic benefit. It is merely a route to carry goods.
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Jan 18, 2017 09:44pm
@Rocky if you try that China will redirect rivers and use them for its own use.
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Jan 18, 2017 09:43pm
Start with Independent Kashmir!
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Jan 18, 2017 10:27pm
Easy way is pass resolution in IHK to merge with Pakistan.
It will settled all problems.
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Jan 18, 2017 11:16pm
Funny thing is these same politicians do not want non-kashmiris to own property or run business in Kashmir (mainly on the Indian side- on the Pakistani Kashmir side, the Kashmiris got no special rights anyway).
They want jobs. They say the union government cannot repeal article 370.
You can't have it both ways, you see. If you want development, but don't let those who develop you do their work, it becomes a funny argument.
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Jan 18, 2017 11:25pm
@Forewarned ...and all look towards India on that.
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Jan 18, 2017 11:28pm
Its very hilarious to see so much frantic comments about cpec and Kashmir. why can't we stop jumping into delusional FUTUTE events and live in the PRESENT. Why do we have to believe all the words of politicians?
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Jan 18, 2017 11:33pm
It's sad that Indian politicians are still not willing to accept the reality that Kashmiris will never give-up their right for freedom, as per UN resolution, come what may. If Ms. Mufti thinks that by Incentivizing Kashmiris, they will be forced to abandon their just cause, she is badly mistaken.
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Jan 18, 2017 11:38pm
Finally India is feeling isolated, so they want to join in.
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Jan 18, 2017 11:41pm
I hope her dream comes true. People of these two great nations are affectionate to each other. They live, work, eat, pray and marry among each other. Outside their countries, they are the best friends and neighbors so why can't they do the same back home. Both should realize that a bad divorce 70 years ago cannot define hostility toward each other. Both are not going to give an inch of Pakistan. Why not accept reality, make LOC as international border and get along well. Borders are irrelevant if people and goods can move freely. Fight illiteracy, poverty and hunger together and get along as good neighbors. Enjoy food, music, movies, cricket, literature together. Consider Kashmir as a gift to the humanity where everyone regardless of their faith can live in peace and harmony.
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Jan 19, 2017 01:21am
She should focus on tabling a resolution to free her people, first, who are desperate to reunite with Pakistan as the other half did because does it really look like the Indian government is made up of open-minded or business-friendly people?
They're holding grudges from not just the 90s (Doval) but from a 1,000 years (RSS and co). They have no interest in exporting or importing anything.
They've been going after companies like Nestlé, Shell (retroactive taxes), Amazon and also, their own cash by banning it. You can't talk business or the economy with these guys. Talk cows and Muslims/Christians and they'll be all ears.
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Jan 19, 2017 01:54am
@Kishore oh cpec is fake, it has nothing to do with pak prosperity, Oh its dragon's plan to eat pak, blal bla bla.... Please look at my Indian friends comments on Dawn in the past many editorials and columns.
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Jan 19, 2017 03:02am
Not a bad idea if Kashmir dispute is resolved simultaneously.
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Jan 19, 2017 03:03am
Of course, India will have its own super highway connecting with central Asia soon.
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Jan 19, 2017 04:31am
There are a few coredoor already under development. The one which is joining India to East asian countries is passing through India, Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnaam, Laos and reach to Japan's coastlines. Another one is called Central Asia trade way which covers Russia, Tazakiastan, Kirgistan, Iran and many other central asian countries to Iran's chabahar port. From this port to a sea link to Mumbai.
At the end, it will India and China we will win, and rest of the countries will be subsidies of this great powers.
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Jan 19, 2017 05:34am
@Ali we all will love it...bt this never gonna happen... wicked mind from both the sides will not be quite... strengthening democracy is d only key for achieving these kind of things...army is always patriotic bt this does not change their role...ultimate decisions should always be in hand of government....
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Jan 19, 2017 06:46am
Not required to trade on chinese roads
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Jan 19, 2017 07:10am
@kunal majumdar rightly said ... All developed nations have good relations with their neighbors ....Australia US and Britain, we are draining revenue that could be used in health and education on advancement in military.
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Jan 19, 2017 07:54am
Madam needs to put pressure on Modi government to stop talking war all the time. Pakistan and China have offered others to join but has opposed CPEC even in Pakistan let alone offer to join.
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Jan 19, 2017 07:56am
@Mohajir As long as Modi has hegemonic designs peaceful co-existence is NOT possible.
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Jan 19, 2017 08:00am
I can see a permanent solution to the Kashmir problem in her proposal. Good luck to all.
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Jan 19, 2017 04:40pm
Living in a Utopian world doesn't hurt i presume.
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Jan 19, 2017 07:00pm
The chief minister can't even take care of simple law and order situation in Kashmir! But, already started using these Buzz words!
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Jan 19, 2017 07:08pm
Good idea Mehbooba!
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Jan 19, 2017 08:02pm
That goes to show that India itself doesn't believe in charges of terrorism it has leveled against Pakistan through the decades. India would use this access to export goods to Central Asia and terror to Pakistan, no thanks.
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Jan 19, 2017 08:07pm
Mr. Modi, please tear down that fence.
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Jan 19, 2017 08:21pm
Such contrast between New Delhi and Kashmiris
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Jan 19, 2017 09:57pm
A hopeless proposal. No such dreams will come true, until and unless Kashmiries are given their right of plebiscite under the auspices of UN.
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Jan 20, 2017 06:23am
I, as a Pakistani-Canadian fully endorse the following suggestion of Chief Minister Mufti of Kashmir:
"She said that not only the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot Roads that have already been opened for movement of people and goods, all the traditional road links including Suchetgarh-Sialkot road, Kargil-Skardu road, Bandipora-Gurez-Gilgit road and Nowshera-Mirpur road can be and should be opened for free movement of people and goods in the region. "
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Jan 20, 2017 09:42am
Its a good idea. But who'll bell the cat.
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Jan 21, 2017 02:20am
For the first time i agree with her. Trade is the needed more than weapons. Politicians of India and Pakistan as well as stupidly patriotics need to understand that a war is not going to take us anywhere. It's the trade and contacts between the people of two countries which are going to take us further towards a prosperous future.
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