- PM says region will remain unstable unless Kashmir issue is resolved
- Says Kashmiris have the right to decide their future
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has invited India to come forward for peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute through negotiations.
Addressing the joint sitting of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Kashmir Council on Wednesday marking the Kashmir Solidarity Day, the prime minister stressed that the region will remain in the grip of uncertainty and confrontation as long as Kashmir dispute is not resolved in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people. “Non-resolution of the dispute will also have adverse affect on the socio-economic development of the region,” he said.
The prime minister expressed the confidence that the Indian leadership while realising the sensitivity of the issue will reciprocate to his invitation of dialogue in a positive manner and give right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir. He said friendly relations could develop between both the neighbouring countries if India accepts the right of self-determination of Kashmiri people. He reiterated that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with India including the core issue of Kashmir through meaningful and result oriented dialogue.
Nawaz Sharif said Kashmir dispute remains on the list of unfinished agenda of the United Nations and this issue has a central place for peace in the South Asia. He said like other parts of the world, the Kashmiris also have the right to decide their future with their own free will.
He said Pakistan has taken several concrete steps to reduce the hardships faced by the people living on both sides of the Line of Control. The steps include the opening of the Line of control to facilitate to trade and movement of the people. These steps clearly reflect that Pakistan desires for peace. Our desire for peace is also reflective from the dialogue process with the Taliban.
Referring to the strong bonds of love and brotherhood existing between the people of Pakistan and Kashmir, the prime minister said the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for independence will not go in vain. He said the unwavering struggle of Kashmiri people is indicative of the fact that this dispute cannot be overlooked at all. The international community cannot remain silent on the gross human right violations in the occupied territory. He said Pakistan will continue to raise voice for the rights of Kashmiri people at all forums till the realisation of their dream.
Assuring all-out support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for right to self-determination, Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan strictly adheres to its stance on Kashmir dispute that it should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. We share the pain of innocent Kashmiri people. Future of both Kashmir and Pakistan are interlinked.
Referring to the close affinity between Kashmiri and Pakistani people, the prime minister said that development of Azad Kashmir is as dear to him as that of Pakistan. He said the government is planning for the development of basic infrastructure in the country. The projects include linking Muzaffarabad and Mirpur with GT road through dual-road and extending Islamabad expressway up to Muzaffarabad. Besides, we plan to link Muzaffarabad with Shahrah-e-Resham.
Speaking on the occasion, Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed appreciated the prime minister for unequivocally raising the Kashmir dispute at the international level including the United Nations.
He said the Kashmiris have rendered numerous sacrifices for their right to self determination. This very right has also been accepted by the international community, he said.