RAWALPINDI, Feb 4: Minister for Information and Media Development Sheikh Rashid Ahmed vowed to transform Rawalpindi into a modern city by initiating various uplift project.

The federal minister was inaugurating an exhibition of photographs taken by a photo-journalist, Sayyed Majid Ali, at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Tuesday.

The exhibition titled “Kashmir is Burning” is being organized in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day to be observed on February 5.

The information minister said he would soon invite the chief minister Punjab, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, to visit the RAC, Holy Family Hospital and Fatima Jinnah Women University, and announce some developmental packages for these institutions.

Different developmental project should be initiated and the chief minister’s visit will be helpful in this regard, he added.

He appreciated the quality of photographs taken by Sayyed Majid and presented him with Rs10,000 for his untiring efforts to highlight the sufferings and grievances of Kashmiri people.

Sheikh Rashid expressed satisfaction over the arrangements by district and tehsil authorities for observing the solidarity day in a befitting manner.

He reiterated Pakistan’s moral support to the ongoing freedom struggle in Kashmir. He hoped that the Kashmiris would soon get the right of self determination.

The minister stressed the need for implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir issue and dispelled the impression of any cross-border terrorism.

He said India failed in its efforts to link indigenous freedom struggle in Kashmir with terrorism.

Responding to a question, he advised the Indian leadership to initiate talks with Pakistan for peaceful solution of various issues.

When asked about the reported proposal by a US firm to sell latest military hardware including F-16 fighter jets to India, the minister said India had been acquiring latest technology from Israel for the last many years.

Commenting on President Musharraf visit to Russia, he said: “after a period of 30 years, the timely visit will provide both the countries an opportunity to strengthen and stabilize bilateral relations.” Russia can play a positive role in normalizing Pakistan-India relations, he added.

The minister regretted extension in the detention period of 28 Pakistani booked in Naples last week by the Italian law enforcing agencies for allegedly having links with terrorists.

About the gas pipeline issue, he appreciated the decision by a high-level meeting in Islamabad and said it was in the best interest of the country to safeguard the pipeline network in Balochistan with the help of Rangers.

He said attacks on pipeline occurred at a time when the Iranian president and Indian leadership were discussing the feasibility of Iran-India gas pipeline passing through Pakistan.

Peaceful atmosphere is required in Balochistan province to implement three proposed gas pipeline projects, he added.

He said job opportunities would be created as a result of these projects.

About the Iraq crisis, Sheikh Rashid said Pakistan would never support any attack on Iraq. Pakistan will only appreciate steps for establishment of peace and tranquillity in the region, he added.

Meanwhile, talking to Dawn, Sayyed Majid said he had tried his best to capture the sufferings of Kashmiri people through the eye of his camera. Media can play a vital role in highlighting various issues, he added.

Sayyed Majid said he had received 70 awards at local and national level.