Gilani seeks Kashmir resolution for peace in South Asia

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolution and the wishes of the Kashmiri people could help efforts for peace and economic prosperity of the South Asian region.
Apprising about his fruitful meeting with the political Indian leadership to the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Zulqarnain Khan who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here on Wednesday, he said that public opinion in Pakistan and India is building up to pursue peaceful means for the resolution of all issues including the outstanding issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
“During recent meeting at Mohali, I have discussed all issues including Kashmir with the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and the Chairperson of Congress Ms Sonia Gandhi”, he added.
The Prime Minister said development of Azad Jammu & Kashmir is priority of his Government. The continuity of democratic process and the strengthening of institutions will be a step towards the development of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir, he observed.
The President of Azad Jammu & Kashmir discussed matters relating to compensation and resettlement of families displaced due to the raising of Mangla Dam. He observed that test filling of Mangla Dam to its full capacity in the near future is crucial keeping in view the expiry of contractor’s liability by the end of this year. He invited the Prime Minister to visit Azad Jammu & Kashmir to inaugurate King Abdullah University campuses at Muzaffarabad and Rawlakot. He also asked the Prime Minister for provision of gas supply for the industrial area of Mirpur.
The President of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir appreciated Pakistan’s support for the right of the people of Kashmir. He thanked the Prime Minister for supporting the Kashmir cause. He also briefed the Prime Minister about progress of the ongoing developments. They discussed reconstruction and rehabilitation projects for the flood affected areas of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Matters pertaining to judicial appointments in the Azad Jammu & Kashmir to ensure early disposal of pending cases in the courts were also discussed in the meeting.