KARACHI, Jan 28: Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that resumption of composite dialogue between Pakistan and India was "a good beginning" and expressed hope that it will be successful in solving all issues including Kashmir peacefully and ensure durable peace in South Asia.

He emphasized need for "sustainable" solution of Kashmir issue as per aspirations of Kashmiri people. The governor expressed the confidence that the composite dialogue would lead to solving all issues, including Kashmir, between the two countries, and ensure durable peace, eradicate poverty and usher an era of progress and prosperity in South Asia.

He was speaking at a seminar on "Pakistan - India dialogue and future of South Asia", organized by Jang group on Wednesday evening. Speaking on the occasion, Federal Information Minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmed reiterated that Pakistan wanted friendship and trade with India and solving Kashmir issue without compromising on its principles.

"We have only one dispute with India - Kashmir issue, which should be resolved as Kashmiri people have given immense sacrifices for achieving their right of self-determination," the minister stated.

He said Pakistan would not come under any pressure. "We have everything for our defence," he added. Others who spoke at the seminar were MMA senator Prof Ghafoor Ahmed, former governor Moinuddin Haider, former foreign secretary Sultan M. Khan, PPP leader N.D. Khan, M.A. Lodhi, Waqar Hassan, Khalida Ghous, Samina Pirzada and Mahmud Sham. -PPI