KARACHI, Feb 5: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sher Afgan Khan Niazi said here on Monday that the four-point proposal presented by President Pervez Musharraf could lead to an amicable settlement of the Kashmir issue.

Talking to media at the airport upon his arrival, he said the four points were: boundaries of united Kashmir be kept intact; India should withdraw its forces; local government be established in Kashmir; and a committee comprising representatives of three stakeholders – Pakistan, India and Kashmir – be formed.

“This is the best solution to the Kashmir issue,” Dr Afgan remarked.

In reply to a question, he said an amendment bill would be submitted to the parliament on private members’ day by President of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. The bill pertained to further protection to women’s rights, he added.

The bill will ensure that women get their rightful share in the parent’s property in the light of the teachings of the holy Quran and Sunnah. It will make illegal the outdated traditions, such as ‘Wani’ and ‘marriage with Quran’. It will also prohibit forcing a woman to marry and pronouncement of ‘three Talaqs’ (divorce) in one go.

The federal minister hoped the bill would be passed into law soon.

Replying another question, he said general elections would be held towards the end of this year under a caretaker government, to be formed on the completion of the present parliament’s term, i.e. November 16, 2007.

Regarding dams, Dr Sher Afgan said the federal cabinet had approved the package of five dams, including Kalabagh Dam, with the consent of all federating units. According to the decision, these dams would be built in a chronological order, and by 2016 their construction will be completed.

He said PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto might not return to Pakistan although she had announced that she would be in the country before the end of this year.In reply to yet another question, he said there would be no resignations from Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, and that the assemblies would complete their term.—APP