ISLAMABAD, May 31: Information Minister Nisar A Memon on Friday urged New Delhi to seize the opportunity for dialogue on Kashmir in Almaty next week.

“Pakistan calls upon India to clinch the opportunity knocking at our doors in Almaty — Pakistan is for settlement of all disputes, including Kashmir, through negotiations,” he stated at a seminar here entitled “54 Years of the Middle East Crisis”.

Nisar said New Delhi should heed to the call for dialogue coming from a friend.

He dismissed Indian allegations of “cross-border terrorism” as mere propaganda exercise.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the just struggle of Kashmiris for their UN-recognized rights and said Islamabad will continue to extend them moral, political and diplomatic support.

Islamabad, the minister said, had totally rejected and denied the Indian propaganda vis-a-vis “cross-border terrorism” and infiltration across the Line of Control.

Pakistani and Indian leaders will travel to Almaty, Kazakhstan, having accepted the Russian president’s invitation, which is part of the continuing international efforts to bring the two countries to negotiating table.

Nisar, however, said that Pakistan was prepared for any eventuality. “The entire Pakistani nation will be behind the armed forces who are ready to defend the motherland in the event of war.”

He asked India to stop its reign of repression and desist from committing human rights violations in the occupied Kashmir.

“New Delhi should allow international observers and free press into Kashmir to see and get first-hand account of the situation there.”

Nisar Memon said the two issues — Kashmir and Palestine — are the oldest on the UN agenda and have been hanging fire for the last 54 years.

“The world community has promised Palestinians an independent state and plebiscite for Kashmiris, but the occupiers of both the states say no to any solution of these pestering problems.

He underlined Pakistan’s commitment to the brave people of Palestine, saying it was beyond any compromise.

“It is a matter of principle. Palestinians are deprived of their basic human rights and Pakistan will continue to support the just struggle of Palestinians, until they achieve their freedom.”—APP