ISLAMABAD Feb 3: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had strengthened Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, whereas President Gen Pervez Musharraf has done everything to please India.

According to a factsheet issued by the party’s information secretary, Siddiqul Farooq, on Sunday, there was a growing perception among the people that the present government had steadily deviated from Pakistan’s traditional position on the future of Kashmir.

Highlighting differences between the proactive policies of Nawaz Sharif and the defeatist measures adopted by Gen Musharraf, the factsheet said: “Nawaz Sharif gave the call to mark February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day, while Gen Musharraf ignored Kashmir cause from his seven-point agenda.”

It said while Mr Sharif held talks with four Indian prime ministers at different forums, including the UN General Assembly, and articulated Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, Gen Musharraf announced unilateral withdrawal of forces from the line of control.

Similarly, “It was Nawaz Sharif’s forceful diplomacy which made the Indian prime minister travel to Lahore where he signed the Lahore declaration pledging to intensify efforts to resolve all issues including Kashmir,” the factsheet said.