LAHORE, Feb 24: Punjab Minister for Law Raja Basharat opposed a resolution on Kashmir in the Punjab Assembly here on Tuesday. The resolution was moved by members of the opposition Mian Yawar Zaman, Sheikh Ijaz Ahmed, Nawaz Malik and Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmed. It sought a plebiscite in Kashmir and peaceful resolution of the issue through a dialogue.

Both the treasury and the opposition expressed their full support for the movement of Kashmiris, but Mr Basharat suggested that since the process of dialogue between Pakistan and India had started, all aspects of the issue should be considered before adopting the resolution.

He suggested that the Foreign Office should also be consulted on the issue. The parliamentary secretary, Malik Mohammed Ahmed Khan, said the treasury was ready to move a resolution on the issue in consultation with the opposition.

Acting Speaker Sardar Shaukat Khan Mazari said the resolution would be taken up later as both sides had agreed to amend it after mutual consultation. Responding to a point of order raised by opposition's Arshad Mehmood Baggu that during the marriage of a civil judge, a number of drunk people, including some women, had danced in a street of Sialkot, the law minister said those involved would be dealt with according to law.

He said he had already taken notice of the matter and called for a written report. Another member, Malik Iqbal Channar, said he had been threatened with dire consequences in an anonymous call in his room at MPA's Hostel for presenting a privilege motion against the IGP.

Mr Basharat assured the Punjab Assembly that an inquiry would be launched into the matter and the caller taken to task. Deputy Leader of Opposition Rana Sanaullah said that government officials did not accord due respect to the elected representatives because of treasury's effort to defend them at all costs. He said if the concerned officials were called in privileges committees meetings, their attitude would change. -APP