MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Wednesday said the government would continue to extend moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris and highlight the issue.
While talking to media people after offering Eid prayer at Shah Rukn-e-Alam Mosque, he ruled out the impression that the issue was dropped from the UN agenda. The Kashmir problem was still on the United Nations’ agenda, he said, adding it was a wrong impression.
Qureshi hailed the government policies, adding the issue was highlighted with a new spirit and the voice of the Kashmiris resonated across the world.
He said Kashmiri leaders, particularly Mirwaiz Omar Farooq and Syed Ali Geelani, were satisfied with the role Pakistan was playing in this regard. The foreign minister strongly condemned the atrocities being committed by Indian Army in the held valley, saying it was blatant human rights’ violation which must be stopped at once.
Responding to a question regarding the recent visit of US President Barrack Obama to India, he said it was a scheduled visit. “Both Pakistan and India are enjoying relations with the US through their own perspectives,” he added.
He said Pakistan retains equal importance in the region. He said President Obama could come to Pakistan during his recent visit to South Asia, however, knowing fully well that Pakistan had its own importance in the region, he had decided to visit the country separately in 2011. He welcomed the role of international community for helping flood-affected people in the country.
“We are really thankful to our trustworthy friends who extended a remarkable help in the days of sufferings,” he remarked. He also appreciated the spirit of the flood-affected people who never lost hope in the worst-ever floods in the history of the world. “Their brethren helped them out,” he lauded.
Shah Mahmood said peace talks would be held with the insurgents after they laid down weapons and accepted the government’s writ. “Our main motto is to promote peace, harmony and prosperity in the region,” he said.
