LAHORE, Feb 5: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Sunday demanded resolution of the Kashmir issue according to the wishes of its people otherwise, he warned, there could be no lasting peace in the region.

“Observing the Kashmir Day at official level and by the people of Pakistan is a message to the world that the Kashmir dispute is still very much alive, and we will continue to show solidarity with our brethren till their liberation,” he said while speaking at a rally near the Tollinton Market on The Mall.

Nazim Mian Amer presented a resolution supporting the efforts by President Pervez Musharraf with regard to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. All Parties Hurriyat Conference representative Syed Faiz Naqshbandi and ministers Basharat Raja and Chaudhry Zaheeruddin also spoke.

The chief minister said the president began talks with India with sincerity of purpose and in the best interest of Pakistan and Muslims. He said the president’s standpoint was that Pakistan and India had fought three wars, and the time had come to settle their disputes through talks.

“The president took the initiative and because of this many doors have been opened. But the real issue (the Kashmir dispute) is still lingering on. War is not a solution, and Pakistan will not accept any resolution of the Kashmir dispute which is not acceptable to its people,” he said.

He said Kashmiris had been fighting for their right to self-determination for the past over 50 years and they could still continue their struggle for another 50 years. “But will this be a right approach,” he asked.