ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on Sunday said that peace in South Asia in the long run will only arise after the the Kashmir dispute has been resolved.

The information minister made the remarks during an addressing marking Kashmir Solidarity Day, which was attended by leaders from various political parties.

Rashid also said that India must fulfill its obligations regarding Kashmir otherwise it would never get a seat at the United Nations security council.

He said that solving the dispute would help to bring prosperity to the region adding that it would also help in fighting illiteracy and poverty.

At the same time Rashid reiterated that Pakistan would continue to extend diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination.

The picturesque Himalayan region is disputed between India and Pakistan and has been the scene of two wars between the countries.

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have died in violence between Indian security forces and rebels fighting for Kashmir's independence or for its merger with Pakistan.