NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 29: The president of Muslim Conference Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan was sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of AJK on Thursday.
The AJK President Raja Zulqarnain Khan administered oath to the newly elected premier. Besides leaders of the Muslim Conference, the ceremony was attended by legislators, secretaries as well as the top officials of the government.
Khan secured 39 votes in the 49-member assembly in AJK capital Muzaffarabad. The election was necessitated by the resignation of the former incumbent, Raja Farooq Haider, who quit on Monday to avoid facing a no-confidence motion. Haider too belonged to the Muslim Conference but a group of 18 ministers staged a rebellion and resigned to protest his policies.
Haider and his supporters boycotted today's Assembly session, describing the proceedings as illegal. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani congratulated Attique Khan on his election.
This was the fourth time that the AJK assembly has elected a Prime Minister since 2006. Fresh elections are scheduled for next year.
Speaking on the occasion the newly elected premier expressed his gratitude to the legislators for their support and said that he would continue his mission of national reconciliation by adhering to the policies and the principles laid-down of his predecessors.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Attique to seek vote of confidence today
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, July 28: The AJK legislative Assembly session would be held in Muzaffarabad on Thursday wherein the AJK premier Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan would seek vote of confidence for the remaining one-year constitutional term.
Sardar Attique was elected as the prime minister of AJK unopposed after his rival Raja Farooq Haider Khan tendered resignation from his office on Monday.
Attique who also heads the Muslim Conference would assume the chare as the PM of the region for the second time during five-year constitutional term of the legislative assembly.
Amidst the charges of corruption and misuse of authority Attique was thrown out of the power through a successful no-confidence-motion last year.
Islamabad, July 28: The AJK legislative Assembly session would be held in Muzaffarabad on Thursday wherein the AJK premier Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan would seek vote of confidence for the remaining one-year constitutional term.
Sardar Attique was elected as the prime minister of AJK unopposed after his rival Raja Farooq Haider Khan tendered resignation from his office on Monday.
Attique who also heads the Muslim Conference would assume the chare as the PM of the region for the second time during five-year constitutional term of the legislative assembly.
Amidst the charges of corruption and misuse of authority Attique was thrown out of the power through a successful no-confidence-motion last year.
Haider vows to safeguard rights of people
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 28: The outgoing prime minister of AJK, Raja Farooq Haider Khan has vowed to carry forward his mission to protect rights of the people of the region besides pursuing the cause of good-governance and eradicating the menace of corruption.
Khan said this while addressing the people at Kohala and Chattar area.
He said that there was a dire need to have a strong political party in the region that could safeguard the rights of the people.
He, however, maintained that PML-N would only protect and safeguard rights of the people in a befitting manner.
He said it was great news for the people of AJK that Nawaz Sharief has formally approved the launching of his party in the region.
He accused Sardar Attique of ruining Muslim Conference.
Islamabad, July 28: The outgoing prime minister of AJK, Raja Farooq Haider Khan has vowed to carry forward his mission to protect rights of the people of the region besides pursuing the cause of good-governance and eradicating the menace of corruption.
Khan said this while addressing the people at Kohala and Chattar area.
He said that there was a dire need to have a strong political party in the region that could safeguard the rights of the people.
He, however, maintained that PML-N would only protect and safeguard rights of the people in a befitting manner.
He said it was great news for the people of AJK that Nawaz Sharief has formally approved the launching of his party in the region.
He accused Sardar Attique of ruining Muslim Conference.
Monday, July 26, 2010
AJK Prime Minister resigns
Political Crisis
THIRD GOVT TOPPLED IN 3-YRS
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad/Muzaffarabad July 26: After a day long deliberations with his close aides and key supporters, the Prime Minister of AJK, Raja Farooq Haider Khan, finally announced to quit the office on Monday, a day before vote of no-confidence was to be tabled against him in the AJK legislative Assembly.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad Khan said that he had sent his resignation to the AJK President Raja Zulqarnain Khan. He said that as Prime Minister he made all out efforts to strengthen institutions besides ensuring good governance and rule of law in the state.
He however maintained that his only sin was that he struggled for the rights of the people of AJK and raised their genuine demands forthrightly. He said that besides raising the genuine issues he had safeguarded the interests of Pakistan as well in accordance with the law of the land.
He said that the federal government had failed to address the issues confronted by the people of the region.
Regarding the no-confidence-motion he said that it was astonishing to see that the motion was tabled by the non-Muslim Conference (MC) legislators saying that it would have been better if the case would have been discussed in the MC’s parliamentary body.
He flayed the MC Chief Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan for playing a “destructive role.” “Since the day I took over as the AJK Prime Minister he played a very negative role. He left no stone unturned to destabilize my government,” he added.
He accused Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari of playing a “pivotal role” to topple his government. “Sardar Attique Khan has the full backing of the PPP led federal government.”
Khan said that in collaboration with PPP the MC chief had planned to file no-confidence motion even before the budget session. He also thanked Nawaz Sahrief for providing all out support to his government.
As per the constitution of AJK Farooq Haider would constitutionally remain prime minister for 14-days.
Pertinently, Farooq Hadier had assumed the office of premiership in October 2009.
Earlier, Farooq Hadier with the support of Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan had toppled a nine month old Govt of Sardar Yaqub Khan which was formed after Sardar Attique Khan’s government was brought down.
THIRD GOVT TOPPLED IN 3-YRS
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad/Muzaffarabad July 26: After a day long deliberations with his close aides and key supporters, the Prime Minister of AJK, Raja Farooq Haider Khan, finally announced to quit the office on Monday, a day before vote of no-confidence was to be tabled against him in the AJK legislative Assembly.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad Khan said that he had sent his resignation to the AJK President Raja Zulqarnain Khan. He said that as Prime Minister he made all out efforts to strengthen institutions besides ensuring good governance and rule of law in the state.
He however maintained that his only sin was that he struggled for the rights of the people of AJK and raised their genuine demands forthrightly. He said that besides raising the genuine issues he had safeguarded the interests of Pakistan as well in accordance with the law of the land.
He said that the federal government had failed to address the issues confronted by the people of the region.
Regarding the no-confidence-motion he said that it was astonishing to see that the motion was tabled by the non-Muslim Conference (MC) legislators saying that it would have been better if the case would have been discussed in the MC’s parliamentary body.
He flayed the MC Chief Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan for playing a “destructive role.” “Since the day I took over as the AJK Prime Minister he played a very negative role. He left no stone unturned to destabilize my government,” he added.
He accused Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari of playing a “pivotal role” to topple his government. “Sardar Attique Khan has the full backing of the PPP led federal government.”
Khan said that in collaboration with PPP the MC chief had planned to file no-confidence motion even before the budget session. He also thanked Nawaz Sahrief for providing all out support to his government.
As per the constitution of AJK Farooq Haider would constitutionally remain prime minister for 14-days.
Pertinently, Farooq Hadier had assumed the office of premiership in October 2009.
Earlier, Farooq Hadier with the support of Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan had toppled a nine month old Govt of Sardar Yaqub Khan which was formed after Sardar Attique Khan’s government was brought down.
Friday, July 23, 2010
No-confidence motion tabled against Farooq Haider
Attique nominated as leader of the house
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 23: In an extraordinary but much-anticipated move, the opposition parties of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) on Friday tabled a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan.
Signed by more than a dozen legislatures, the no-confidence motion was submitted by Chaudary Aziz and Abdul Majid Khan in the Assembly Secretariat. Both the members won 2006 elections as independent candidates.
The opposition parties have put their weight behind the Muslim Conference chief Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan and he has been nominated as the new leader of the house.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, information secretary Athar Wani said that 13 cabinet ministers had also submitted their resignations to the party head Attique Ahmed Khan.
He said out of the 49-member House the opposition needs the support of 25 legislators to make the no-confidence-move a success.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir has called assembly session to take up no trust move on next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the PaK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan has termed the moving of no confidence against him as a conspiracy hatched to divide Muslims. “I will neither resign nor dissolve assembly and will face
the no-confidence motion,” he said, adding that he would convene the meeting of the parliamentary on Saturday to assess the situation.
It may be recalled here that Raja Farooq Haider Khan is the third premier in a row to face the no-confidence motion. Earlier, two prime ministers, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan and Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan were voted out of the office through successful no-confidence motions.
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 23: In an extraordinary but much-anticipated move, the opposition parties of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) on Friday tabled a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan.
Signed by more than a dozen legislatures, the no-confidence motion was submitted by Chaudary Aziz and Abdul Majid Khan in the Assembly Secretariat. Both the members won 2006 elections as independent candidates.
The opposition parties have put their weight behind the Muslim Conference chief Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan and he has been nominated as the new leader of the house.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, information secretary Athar Wani said that 13 cabinet ministers had also submitted their resignations to the party head Attique Ahmed Khan.
He said out of the 49-member House the opposition needs the support of 25 legislators to make the no-confidence-move a success.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir has called assembly session to take up no trust move on next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the PaK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan has termed the moving of no confidence against him as a conspiracy hatched to divide Muslims. “I will neither resign nor dissolve assembly and will face
the no-confidence motion,” he said, adding that he would convene the meeting of the parliamentary on Saturday to assess the situation.
It may be recalled here that Raja Farooq Haider Khan is the third premier in a row to face the no-confidence motion. Earlier, two prime ministers, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan and Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan were voted out of the office through successful no-confidence motions.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Indo-Pak talks’ failure inevitable: Safi
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 18: The convener of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (G) Ghulam Muhammad Safi has said that Indo-Pak talks failure was inevitable as it lacked political will on the part of India to address the long-pending Kashmir dispute.
“Since plebiscite was not held in the territory, people were not allowed to express their wishes and aspirations and therefore the state still awaits a referendum under the auspices of United Nations,” he said adding the elections held there could in no way be the substitute to Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
“The mass movement in Kashmir is purely indigenous intended to get our birth-right guaranteed by world community besides the leadership of India and Pakistan,” Safi said addressing reporters at Islamabad Press Club on Sunday.
Citing Arundati Roy and Vir Sanghvi, he said that saner elements in India had realized the fact that Kashmiris were fighting for a legitimate cause.
He alleged that Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had failed to advocate Kashmiris’ case during the recent talks with his Indian counterpart.
“No doubt Qureshi touched the human aspect, which is one of the dimensions of Kashmir dispute, but he did not talk about the real issue that is Kashmiris’ basic right, the right to self-determination”, he said.
To a question, he said that the APHC-G believes in tripartite talks to settle the dispute of Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, senior Kashmiri leader, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, said that the Pak-administered Kashmir government should give a call to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Islamabad, July 18: The convener of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (G) Ghulam Muhammad Safi has said that Indo-Pak talks failure was inevitable as it lacked political will on the part of India to address the long-pending Kashmir dispute.
“Since plebiscite was not held in the territory, people were not allowed to express their wishes and aspirations and therefore the state still awaits a referendum under the auspices of United Nations,” he said adding the elections held there could in no way be the substitute to Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
“The mass movement in Kashmir is purely indigenous intended to get our birth-right guaranteed by world community besides the leadership of India and Pakistan,” Safi said addressing reporters at Islamabad Press Club on Sunday.
Citing Arundati Roy and Vir Sanghvi, he said that saner elements in India had realized the fact that Kashmiris were fighting for a legitimate cause.
He alleged that Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had failed to advocate Kashmiris’ case during the recent talks with his Indian counterpart.
“No doubt Qureshi touched the human aspect, which is one of the dimensions of Kashmir dispute, but he did not talk about the real issue that is Kashmiris’ basic right, the right to self-determination”, he said.
To a question, he said that the APHC-G believes in tripartite talks to settle the dispute of Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, senior Kashmiri leader, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, said that the Pak-administered Kashmir government should give a call to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Friday, July 16, 2010
New Delhi’s Approach Selective: Qureshi
Kashmir, Mumbai botch up bonhomie
NISAR AHMAD THOKAR
Islamabad, July 16: The foreign ministers’ meetings between India and Pakistan all but collapsed in a welter of accusations with Islamabad accusing India of being “selective” in its approach on talks by sticking to 2008 Mumbai attacks.
A day after their parleys ended amidst sharp differences on key issues, the two foreign ministers addressed their home audiences, Qureshi in Islamabad and Krishna immediately after landing in Delhi to give their versions of what transpired.
Nevertheless, both the ministers refrained from calling the talks as having failed, with Krishna maintaining that the “extensive and serious discussions” had resulted in better understanding of each other’s position. Qureshi said there was no “deadlock” and that Pakistan would wait till India was “ready”.
Pakistan said the dialogue cannot move forward till its concerns were understood by India and made it clear that there can be no progress if Kashmir was not discussed.
“Kashmir has been part of our negotiations. It is a disputed territory. It is not possible to delink Kashmir from the negotiations,” Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told reporters here.
“If we focus more only on those issues which India gives importance to and ignores those considered important by Pakistan, then I don’t think the talks can move forward,” he said.
“Pakistan is ready for talks but dialogue should be substantive, meaningful and result-oriented. Pakistani people cannot be delinked from the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” Qureshi said.
“We are ready to engage, we are ready to negotiate any time, anywhere and we are not in a hurry. We will wait till they (India) are ready,” he said.
He said Pakistan wanted a roadmap for the future as an outcome of the talks but the Indian side felt they did not have the mandate to make such a commitment.
Qureshi said it would not make sense to discuss aspects like cultural and trade relations while ignoring “core” issues like Jammu and Kashmir, peace and security and Siachen.
“It is the nature of India-Pakistan talks that whenever there is progress, there is always a last minute hitch. There was no hitch from Pakistan’s side,” he said.
“India was narrowing the dialogue and we said you cannot be selective,” Qureshi said.
It was clear from Qureshi’s comments that Pakistan was insisting on Kashmir being a core issue in the discussions and on there being a “road-map” in addressing all bilateral matters.
“We understand India’s concerns and want to address them. But Pakistan also has its concerns and core issues which should be understood by India,” he said.
Taking a dig at Krishna, Qureshi said the “Indian Foreign Minister received foreign policy directions from New Delhi repeatedly through phone calls during our meeting”.
On his part, the Pakistan Foreign Minister said he did not step out of the talks to “attend any phone calls”.
The issues between India and Pakistan were already identified and part of the eight segments of the composite dialogue that had continued for four years, Qureshi said.
“If they want to confine those issues, it becomes difficult for Pakistan,” he said.
The two foreign ministers had at a joint news conference on Thursday said that their meeting had been “constructive”, and agreed to meet again.
KASHMIR TOPPED AGENDA
According to reports, at Thursday’s talks between the two foreign ministers the Kashmir factor dominated the agenda, with Pakistan bringing up the recent disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir and questioning India on “human rights violations” in the state.
Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that three Kashmiri organisations had written to him to highlight Kashmir during the Indo-Pak talks.
“Three organisations wrote to me and wanted me to highlight Kashmir during the talks and I did. There were issues of human rights violations and imposition of curfew, use of Indian armed forces and loss of the lives, which are issues of concern for everyone, including the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Qureshi.
‘NOTHING TO DO WITH INFILTRATION’
Qureshi declared emphatically Thursday that Pakistan had nothing to do with the infiltration of militants from his country into Jammu and Kashmir.
Qureshi said: “Infiltration is not the policy of Pakistan or any intelligence agency of Pakistan.”
Qureshi’s comments came soon after Krishna said that there had been an increase in infiltration of militants from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir so as to create instability ‘in that part of India’.
NISAR AHMAD THOKAR
Islamabad, July 16: The foreign ministers’ meetings between India and Pakistan all but collapsed in a welter of accusations with Islamabad accusing India of being “selective” in its approach on talks by sticking to 2008 Mumbai attacks.
A day after their parleys ended amidst sharp differences on key issues, the two foreign ministers addressed their home audiences, Qureshi in Islamabad and Krishna immediately after landing in Delhi to give their versions of what transpired.
Nevertheless, both the ministers refrained from calling the talks as having failed, with Krishna maintaining that the “extensive and serious discussions” had resulted in better understanding of each other’s position. Qureshi said there was no “deadlock” and that Pakistan would wait till India was “ready”.
Pakistan said the dialogue cannot move forward till its concerns were understood by India and made it clear that there can be no progress if Kashmir was not discussed.
“Kashmir has been part of our negotiations. It is a disputed territory. It is not possible to delink Kashmir from the negotiations,” Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told reporters here.
“If we focus more only on those issues which India gives importance to and ignores those considered important by Pakistan, then I don’t think the talks can move forward,” he said.
“Pakistan is ready for talks but dialogue should be substantive, meaningful and result-oriented. Pakistani people cannot be delinked from the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” Qureshi said.
“We are ready to engage, we are ready to negotiate any time, anywhere and we are not in a hurry. We will wait till they (India) are ready,” he said.
He said Pakistan wanted a roadmap for the future as an outcome of the talks but the Indian side felt they did not have the mandate to make such a commitment.
Qureshi said it would not make sense to discuss aspects like cultural and trade relations while ignoring “core” issues like Jammu and Kashmir, peace and security and Siachen.
“It is the nature of India-Pakistan talks that whenever there is progress, there is always a last minute hitch. There was no hitch from Pakistan’s side,” he said.
“India was narrowing the dialogue and we said you cannot be selective,” Qureshi said.
It was clear from Qureshi’s comments that Pakistan was insisting on Kashmir being a core issue in the discussions and on there being a “road-map” in addressing all bilateral matters.
“We understand India’s concerns and want to address them. But Pakistan also has its concerns and core issues which should be understood by India,” he said.
Taking a dig at Krishna, Qureshi said the “Indian Foreign Minister received foreign policy directions from New Delhi repeatedly through phone calls during our meeting”.
On his part, the Pakistan Foreign Minister said he did not step out of the talks to “attend any phone calls”.
The issues between India and Pakistan were already identified and part of the eight segments of the composite dialogue that had continued for four years, Qureshi said.
“If they want to confine those issues, it becomes difficult for Pakistan,” he said.
The two foreign ministers had at a joint news conference on Thursday said that their meeting had been “constructive”, and agreed to meet again.
KASHMIR TOPPED AGENDA
According to reports, at Thursday’s talks between the two foreign ministers the Kashmir factor dominated the agenda, with Pakistan bringing up the recent disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir and questioning India on “human rights violations” in the state.
Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that three Kashmiri organisations had written to him to highlight Kashmir during the Indo-Pak talks.
“Three organisations wrote to me and wanted me to highlight Kashmir during the talks and I did. There were issues of human rights violations and imposition of curfew, use of Indian armed forces and loss of the lives, which are issues of concern for everyone, including the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Qureshi.
‘NOTHING TO DO WITH INFILTRATION’
Qureshi declared emphatically Thursday that Pakistan had nothing to do with the infiltration of militants from his country into Jammu and Kashmir.
Qureshi said: “Infiltration is not the policy of Pakistan or any intelligence agency of Pakistan.”
Qureshi’s comments came soon after Krishna said that there had been an increase in infiltration of militants from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir so as to create instability ‘in that part of India’.
Mehr-un-Nissa seeks Int’l community’s role to end HR violations in Kashmir
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 16: Hundreds of women took out a protest rally in Muzaffarabad on Friday urging world community to play its proactive role to bring an immediate end to the killings of innocent civilians in Kashmir.
Led by Mehr-un-Nissa, the deputy speaker PaK legislative assembly the protest rally was taken out from Press club, which culminated peacefully at the UN Observer’s office.
Addressing the gathering Nissa while expressing concern over the killings of innocent youth in Kashmir said that death and destruction were rampant in the valley.
She stressed upon the world community to come forward to alleviate miseries of Kashmiris particularly the women who have to bore the brunt of violence over the past two decades.
Calling for an immediate end to rights abuses, she said that repealing of black laws and withdrawal of troops from Kashmir was must to stop bloodbath of innocent people. Education Minister Shama Malik who also participated in the rally spoke on occasion.
Later a memorandum was presented to UNMOGIP officials here.
Highlighting the plight of Kashmiris, the memorandum demanded that UN should discharge its moral and legal responsibilities vis-à-vis the settlement of Kashmir dispute. It also urged the world body to take bold initiative in order to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiri people.
Islamabad, July 16: Hundreds of women took out a protest rally in Muzaffarabad on Friday urging world community to play its proactive role to bring an immediate end to the killings of innocent civilians in Kashmir.
Led by Mehr-un-Nissa, the deputy speaker PaK legislative assembly the protest rally was taken out from Press club, which culminated peacefully at the UN Observer’s office.
Addressing the gathering Nissa while expressing concern over the killings of innocent youth in Kashmir said that death and destruction were rampant in the valley.
She stressed upon the world community to come forward to alleviate miseries of Kashmiris particularly the women who have to bore the brunt of violence over the past two decades.
Calling for an immediate end to rights abuses, she said that repealing of black laws and withdrawal of troops from Kashmir was must to stop bloodbath of innocent people. Education Minister Shama Malik who also participated in the rally spoke on occasion.
Later a memorandum was presented to UNMOGIP officials here.
Highlighting the plight of Kashmiris, the memorandum demanded that UN should discharge its moral and legal responsibilities vis-à-vis the settlement of Kashmir dispute. It also urged the world body to take bold initiative in order to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiri people.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Krishna, Qureshi Meet
India, Pak agree to move forward
EVERYTHING INCLUDING KASHMIR DISCUSSED: QURESHI
NISSAR AHMAD THOKAR
Islamabad, July 15: Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said he and his Indian counterpart S M Krishna had “frank, candid and honest discussions” on “where we stand” and “how to move forward”.
“We had frank, candid and honest discussions on terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir, Sir Creek and Siachen,” said Qureshi at a joint press conference with his Indian counterpart SM Krishna here this evening.
Kashmir-related Confidence Building Measures were also discussed and how to built on it on what was achieved earlier, Qureshi said.
India and Pakistan discussed ways to hasten trial process happening here (on Mumbai attacks). Pakistan would take seriously the leads given by home minister P Chidambaram, said Qureshi.
He said both sides agree that the dialogue is the only way forward. “We have to respect the Indian point of view and they have to understand the Pakistani point of view. So these discussions were useful in creating an understanding on how to move forward,” Qureshi said.
Qureshi said areas of economic cooperation and ways of increasing people-to-people contact were also discussed and Islamabad is looking to build on the progress made in India-Pakistan relations in the past four years.
Addressing the press conference, Krishna said that Pakistan Foreign Minister gave a commitment that Pakistan’s soil will not be used against India. “I am going back with the hope that there will be further investigations in Pakistan into Mumbai attacks and if it could help unravel the conspiracy, perhaps this could be the best confidence building measure,” says Krishna.
Earlier, Krishna called on Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed the issue of terrorism, with the Pakistani President stressing for timely intelligence sharing between the two countries to prevent acts of terror.
Krishna, who arrived here Wednesday on a three-day visit to hold parleys with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, met Zardari and discussed issues of bilateral concern.
Zardari said that “destinies of the people of both Pakistan and India and development of the entire region lies in friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.”
Krishna was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan Sharat Sabharwal.
From the Pakistani side those who attended the meeting included Qureshi, Interior Minister Rahman Malik and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.
In a related development, Pakistan Army chief, General Parvez Ashfaq Kayani, met Gilani before the two Foreign Ministers called on the Pakistani prime minister.
Thursday’s meeting is the most significant bilateral interaction since the prime ministers of India and Pakistan decided in Bhutan in April to normalise a relationship hit badly after Pakistani terrorists ravaged Mumbai in 2008.
On Friday, before leaving for home in the evening, Krishna will meet delegations from the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), the Awami National Party (ANP) and the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
EVERYTHING INCLUDING KASHMIR DISCUSSED: QURESHI
NISSAR AHMAD THOKAR
Islamabad, July 15: Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said he and his Indian counterpart S M Krishna had “frank, candid and honest discussions” on “where we stand” and “how to move forward”.
“We had frank, candid and honest discussions on terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir, recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir, Sir Creek and Siachen,” said Qureshi at a joint press conference with his Indian counterpart SM Krishna here this evening.
Kashmir-related Confidence Building Measures were also discussed and how to built on it on what was achieved earlier, Qureshi said.
India and Pakistan discussed ways to hasten trial process happening here (on Mumbai attacks). Pakistan would take seriously the leads given by home minister P Chidambaram, said Qureshi.
He said both sides agree that the dialogue is the only way forward. “We have to respect the Indian point of view and they have to understand the Pakistani point of view. So these discussions were useful in creating an understanding on how to move forward,” Qureshi said.
Qureshi said areas of economic cooperation and ways of increasing people-to-people contact were also discussed and Islamabad is looking to build on the progress made in India-Pakistan relations in the past four years.
Addressing the press conference, Krishna said that Pakistan Foreign Minister gave a commitment that Pakistan’s soil will not be used against India. “I am going back with the hope that there will be further investigations in Pakistan into Mumbai attacks and if it could help unravel the conspiracy, perhaps this could be the best confidence building measure,” says Krishna.
Earlier, Krishna called on Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed the issue of terrorism, with the Pakistani President stressing for timely intelligence sharing between the two countries to prevent acts of terror.
Krishna, who arrived here Wednesday on a three-day visit to hold parleys with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, met Zardari and discussed issues of bilateral concern.
Zardari said that “destinies of the people of both Pakistan and India and development of the entire region lies in friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.”
Krishna was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan Sharat Sabharwal.
From the Pakistani side those who attended the meeting included Qureshi, Interior Minister Rahman Malik and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir.
In a related development, Pakistan Army chief, General Parvez Ashfaq Kayani, met Gilani before the two Foreign Ministers called on the Pakistani prime minister.
Thursday’s meeting is the most significant bilateral interaction since the prime ministers of India and Pakistan decided in Bhutan in April to normalise a relationship hit badly after Pakistani terrorists ravaged Mumbai in 2008.
On Friday, before leaving for home in the evening, Krishna will meet delegations from the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), the Awami National Party (ANP) and the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Minister’s moot ended on a positive note
Terming dialogue as the only way forward
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, July 15: As a part of effort to bridge trust-deficit between India and Pakistan the foreign ministers of the two countries held talks here on Monday wherein the two sides decided to continue dialogue to move forward.
Accompanied by senior officials both the leaders discussed in detail the issues that have been bedeviling bilateral relations of India and Pakistan for last several years.
Latter addressing the joint press conference Indian FM S M Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart termed the talks as a positive development. They were of the view that the talks have enabled them to develop better understanding. Speaking on the occasion Qureshi said, “Pakistan has always wanted friendly, cordial and good neighborly relations with India”, he said that both the sides have made a substantive progress on a number of issues. He maintained that the leadership of the two countries have admitted the fact that dialogue was the only way forward “as the most preferred way forward”.
He said, “We were given the task to discuss ways and means to restore confidence and to bridge the trust deficit”. However he maintained that while remaining disengaged “we can’t achieve this objective”. He said that to move forward it was imperative address the issues of mutual concern. He pointed out that the terrorism was an issue of mutual concerns as both the countries were victim of terror. He maintained that to root out this menace there was a dire need to adopt a common approach.
“I conveyed the FM (Krishana) the change in mood within Pakistan and the steps Pakistan has undertaken to deal this menace”, he said. He however maintained that the resolution of outstanding issues was important. “there are issues which are of significance to India and of course there issues which are of core significance for Pakistan that need to be addressed and we have to agreed to discuss them to move forward”.
“We have discussed all issues whether it is terrorism, the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir, the Siachen and Sircreek issue”, Qureshi said adding that all these issues were discussed in a very candid manner.
“We made progress on certain Kashmir related CBMS, including cross LOC trade people to people contacts we discussed how useful they have been and how we can build on what we have achieved in the past few years”, he said. Terming the discussions as fruitful he said, “We will continue to meet in future”.
Krishna while thanking Qureshi for his sentiments said that the two countries have been striving for a long time to achieve this goal. “At times we have succeeded at times we have not been able to make progress that we have been expecting”.
About his meetings with Pakistani leadership he said that there have been frank and cordial exchange of views on all issues concerning the two countries. “We revive the current state of bilateral relations and discuss steps to promote trust and confidence”. He said, “I think talks have enabled us to develop better understanding”. He said that India is committed to be a sincere partner in our efforts to establish meaningful cooperative relations between our two countries.”
He said, “India wants a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pakistan.” He said that India was hopeful that Pakistan would take stringent action against the perpetrators of Mumbai Attack. He said that Qureshi has assured him that Pakistan would take the necessary action in this regard.
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Islamabad, July 15: As a part of effort to bridge trust-deficit between India and Pakistan the foreign ministers of the two countries held talks here on Monday wherein the two sides decided to continue dialogue to move forward.
Accompanied by senior officials both the leaders discussed in detail the issues that have been bedeviling bilateral relations of India and Pakistan for last several years.
Latter addressing the joint press conference Indian FM S M Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart termed the talks as a positive development. They were of the view that the talks have enabled them to develop better understanding. Speaking on the occasion Qureshi said, “Pakistan has always wanted friendly, cordial and good neighborly relations with India”, he said that both the sides have made a substantive progress on a number of issues. He maintained that the leadership of the two countries have admitted the fact that dialogue was the only way forward “as the most preferred way forward”.
He said, “We were given the task to discuss ways and means to restore confidence and to bridge the trust deficit”. However he maintained that while remaining disengaged “we can’t achieve this objective”. He said that to move forward it was imperative address the issues of mutual concern. He pointed out that the terrorism was an issue of mutual concerns as both the countries were victim of terror. He maintained that to root out this menace there was a dire need to adopt a common approach.
“I conveyed the FM (Krishana) the change in mood within Pakistan and the steps Pakistan has undertaken to deal this menace”, he said. He however maintained that the resolution of outstanding issues was important. “there are issues which are of significance to India and of course there issues which are of core significance for Pakistan that need to be addressed and we have to agreed to discuss them to move forward”.
“We have discussed all issues whether it is terrorism, the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir, the Siachen and Sircreek issue”, Qureshi said adding that all these issues were discussed in a very candid manner.
“We made progress on certain Kashmir related CBMS, including cross LOC trade people to people contacts we discussed how useful they have been and how we can build on what we have achieved in the past few years”, he said. Terming the discussions as fruitful he said, “We will continue to meet in future”.
Krishna while thanking Qureshi for his sentiments said that the two countries have been striving for a long time to achieve this goal. “At times we have succeeded at times we have not been able to make progress that we have been expecting”.
About his meetings with Pakistani leadership he said that there have been frank and cordial exchange of views on all issues concerning the two countries. “We revive the current state of bilateral relations and discuss steps to promote trust and confidence”. He said, “I think talks have enabled us to develop better understanding”. He said that India is committed to be a sincere partner in our efforts to establish meaningful cooperative relations between our two countries.”
He said, “India wants a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pakistan.” He said that India was hopeful that Pakistan would take stringent action against the perpetrators of Mumbai Attack. He said that Qureshi has assured him that Pakistan would take the necessary action in this regard.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
India says Kashmir unrest internal matter
Krishna In Islamabad
NISSAR AHMAD THOKAR
Islamabad, July 14: India Wednesday said the prevailing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, that left 15 people dead, was an internal matter of the country.
“India has always taken a consistent position. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is an internal matter of India,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said on his arrival here today.
First trip by an External Affairs Minister to Pakistan since 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Krishna said he was in Pakistan on a mission to restore trust and increase confidence in the bilateral relationship.
Talking to media persons at Chaklala air base, Krishna said that meaningful dialogue was in the best interest of the two countries. He maintained that his country was committed to resolve all issues through negotiations. “I am here with a message of peace and friendship from my country”, he said adding that India wanted a peaceful, prosperous and stable Pakistan.
During his three-day visit, Krishna, accompanied by a 15-member delegation, will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday and will try to find areas of convergence between the two countries, besides focusing on Confidence Building Measures in the areas of people-to-people contact, exchange of prisoners and bilateral trade.
“We hope to discuss all issues of mutual interest and concern that can contribute to restoring trust and bringing confidence in our bilateral relationship,” Krishna said. “I also look forward to receiving feedback on the issues raised by our Home Minister (P Chidambaram) during his visit to Pakistan last month on our core concern of terrorism, particularly in the light of the discussions our Home Minister had in Pakistan in the context of interrogation of David Headley regarding the Mumbai terrorist attack,” he said.
Describing his visit as an important one, Krishna said he hoped it would usher in “a new journey in our efforts to build a peaceful, friendly and cooperative relationship between our two countries.”
Besides holding talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Krishna is scheduled to meet the Pakistani political leadership including Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, President Asif Ali Zardari, former premier Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharief and the Awami National Party leader Asfandyar Wali.
NISSAR AHMAD THOKAR
Islamabad, July 14: India Wednesday said the prevailing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, that left 15 people dead, was an internal matter of the country.
“India has always taken a consistent position. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is an internal matter of India,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said on his arrival here today.
First trip by an External Affairs Minister to Pakistan since 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Krishna said he was in Pakistan on a mission to restore trust and increase confidence in the bilateral relationship.
Talking to media persons at Chaklala air base, Krishna said that meaningful dialogue was in the best interest of the two countries. He maintained that his country was committed to resolve all issues through negotiations. “I am here with a message of peace and friendship from my country”, he said adding that India wanted a peaceful, prosperous and stable Pakistan.
During his three-day visit, Krishna, accompanied by a 15-member delegation, will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday and will try to find areas of convergence between the two countries, besides focusing on Confidence Building Measures in the areas of people-to-people contact, exchange of prisoners and bilateral trade.
“We hope to discuss all issues of mutual interest and concern that can contribute to restoring trust and bringing confidence in our bilateral relationship,” Krishna said. “I also look forward to receiving feedback on the issues raised by our Home Minister (P Chidambaram) during his visit to Pakistan last month on our core concern of terrorism, particularly in the light of the discussions our Home Minister had in Pakistan in the context of interrogation of David Headley regarding the Mumbai terrorist attack,” he said.
Describing his visit as an important one, Krishna said he hoped it would usher in “a new journey in our efforts to build a peaceful, friendly and cooperative relationship between our two countries.”
Besides holding talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Krishna is scheduled to meet the Pakistani political leadership including Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, President Asif Ali Zardari, former premier Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharief and the Awami National Party leader Asfandyar Wali.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Hizb organizes conference on Martyrs Day
SALUHUDDIN REJECTS INDO-PAK DIALOGUE
NISAR A THOKAR
Islamabad ,July 13: The Hizbul Mujahideen on Tuesday hosted a number of speakers invited to commemorate Martyrs Day at a conference held here.
The venue of the event was University Grounds in which PaK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, senior leader of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mehmood Ahmed Sagar, Ghulam Muhammed Safi of Hurriyat (G), chairman United Jehad Council Syed Saluhuddin, Abdul Rasheed Turabi, Sheikh Jameel-ur-Rehman, Usman Khan, Nasrullah Mansoor, Attique-ur-Rehman, Javeed Qasori, Shamshar Khan, Uzair Ghazali, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, Rafique Dar and others participated.
This was for the first time that any PaK Prime Minister spoke in a programme with militant leadership.
Stressing the need for a meaningful and result oriented dialogue on long-pending dispute of Kashmir, Haider said that Kashmir issue was basically an issue of right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I assure you that my government is the representative of Kashmiri Mujahideen and there should be no doubt to anyone that this is the base camp of Kashmir liberation movement,” he said.
He warned it was becoming difficult for his government to control people in PaK from rushing to the support of their suffering brothers and sisters in other Kashmir.
He was of the view that Pakistan should take up the human rights violation issue in the forthcoming foreign ministers meet and impress upon India to stop killing of innocent civilians in the valley.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Salahuddin said: “As Kashmiris’ struggle enters into decisive phase, it was incumbent on the government of AJK and Pakistan to play a role more effectively to take the ongoing movement to its logical end.”
“As a result of successful resistance movement, India has psychologically lost the battle against freedom fighters. Indian army general’s statements in this regard stand witness to this fact,” he added.
He said there should be no talks with India until it stops killings of innocent Kashmiris.
Commenting on ‘quit Kashmir’ campaign, he said that the valiant people of Kashmir have now launched the movement, which was of great significance.
Flaying Indo-Pak dialogue, he said it was nothing but a futile and meaningless endeavor.
Ameeri-Jammat, Abdul Rasheed Turabi while denouncing the killing of innocent civilians in Kashmir urged India to stop bloodshed of innocent Kashmiris.
He also urged world body particularly the OIC to take concrete steps to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiri people.
Meanwhile, a separate function was also held at Press Club Muzaffarabad by Liberation Cell and Hurriyat Conference (M). Later, the participants marched towards UNMOGIP office and submitted a memorandum.
NISAR A THOKAR
Islamabad ,July 13: The Hizbul Mujahideen on Tuesday hosted a number of speakers invited to commemorate Martyrs Day at a conference held here.
The venue of the event was University Grounds in which PaK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, senior leader of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mehmood Ahmed Sagar, Ghulam Muhammed Safi of Hurriyat (G), chairman United Jehad Council Syed Saluhuddin, Abdul Rasheed Turabi, Sheikh Jameel-ur-Rehman, Usman Khan, Nasrullah Mansoor, Attique-ur-Rehman, Javeed Qasori, Shamshar Khan, Uzair Ghazali, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, Rafique Dar and others participated.
This was for the first time that any PaK Prime Minister spoke in a programme with militant leadership.
Stressing the need for a meaningful and result oriented dialogue on long-pending dispute of Kashmir, Haider said that Kashmir issue was basically an issue of right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I assure you that my government is the representative of Kashmiri Mujahideen and there should be no doubt to anyone that this is the base camp of Kashmir liberation movement,” he said.
He warned it was becoming difficult for his government to control people in PaK from rushing to the support of their suffering brothers and sisters in other Kashmir.
He was of the view that Pakistan should take up the human rights violation issue in the forthcoming foreign ministers meet and impress upon India to stop killing of innocent civilians in the valley.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Salahuddin said: “As Kashmiris’ struggle enters into decisive phase, it was incumbent on the government of AJK and Pakistan to play a role more effectively to take the ongoing movement to its logical end.”
“As a result of successful resistance movement, India has psychologically lost the battle against freedom fighters. Indian army general’s statements in this regard stand witness to this fact,” he added.
He said there should be no talks with India until it stops killings of innocent Kashmiris.
Commenting on ‘quit Kashmir’ campaign, he said that the valiant people of Kashmir have now launched the movement, which was of great significance.
Flaying Indo-Pak dialogue, he said it was nothing but a futile and meaningless endeavor.
Ameeri-Jammat, Abdul Rasheed Turabi while denouncing the killing of innocent civilians in Kashmir urged India to stop bloodshed of innocent Kashmiris.
He also urged world body particularly the OIC to take concrete steps to mitigate sufferings of Kashmiri people.
Meanwhile, a separate function was also held at Press Club Muzaffarabad by Liberation Cell and Hurriyat Conference (M). Later, the participants marched towards UNMOGIP office and submitted a memorandum.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Pak concerned over Kashmir situation: Basit
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 8: Pakistan foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit on Thursday expressed deep concern over the killing of innocent civilians in Kashmir.
“We are concerned at the worsening human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir where many youth including a 9-year boy have died in the past few days”, Basit said during the weekly press briefing here.
He expressed sympathies with Kashmiris and reiterated his country’s resolve to extend full diplomatic support to them.
About the prospects of Indo-Pak dialogue, he said, “During high-level meeting in Bhutan the prime ministers of the two countries agreed to resume the dialogue process. As a follow up to this high level meeting he said that secretary-level meeting was held last month and “now our Foreign Ministers are meeting on July 15 in Islamabad”.
“Pakistan is approaching the meeting with a positive mindset and hopes the two countries would engage in a sustained manner,” Basit added.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Protest in Pakistan against killings in Kashmir
‘Pakistan should adopt coherent Kashmir policy’
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 6: Hundreds of Kashmirs living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad Tuesday staged a sit-in on to protest the unabated killings in Kashmir.
The protesters with placards were led by leaders of both factions of Hurriyat conference, JKLF members and representatives of United Jihad Council.
This was for the first time that Kashmiri community living in the suburbs of the twin cities joined the protests and demanded that the world community should take cognizance of the human rights violations in Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, the Kashmiri leaders while denouncing the recent killings in the valley termed it a deep-rooted conspiracy to target the new generation.
Terming the ongoing struggle for right to self-determination as a just and globally recognized legitimate struggle they said, “Our demand is a just demand, which was upheld by the international community besides the leadership of India and Pakistan”.
Referring to India-Pakistan dialogue, they said that Kashmiris have always supported the peace talks with a view that the two countries would resolve the dispute of Kashmir through peaceful negotiations.
Urging the government of Pakistan to pay heed to the human rights situation in Kashmir, they said under the circumstances there was no scope of dialogue.
“India’s peace talks with Pakistan and massacre of innocent Kashmiris cannot go together,” they said.
“The red-carpet welcome given to Indian home minister by Pakistani government amounted to rubbing salt on the bleeding wounds of Kashmiris,” they added.
“Being an important party to the dispute, the Pakistan government should adopt a coherent policy that would reflect the true sentiments and aspirations of Kashmiris as well as the people of Pakistan,” they said.
They also urged the Pakistani print and electronic media to play pro-active role in highlighting the plight of people of Kashmir.
Those who spoke on the occasion included, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, Rafique Ahmed Dar and Sheikh Yaqoob. Chairman of United Jihad Council Syed Salah-u-din also spoke on the occasion. Pertinently, the UJC leadership including deputy chairman Muhammad Usman, general secretary Sheikh Jameel-ur-Rehman and others took part in the rally.
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 6: Hundreds of Kashmirs living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad Tuesday staged a sit-in on to protest the unabated killings in Kashmir.
The protesters with placards were led by leaders of both factions of Hurriyat conference, JKLF members and representatives of United Jihad Council.
This was for the first time that Kashmiri community living in the suburbs of the twin cities joined the protests and demanded that the world community should take cognizance of the human rights violations in Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, the Kashmiri leaders while denouncing the recent killings in the valley termed it a deep-rooted conspiracy to target the new generation.
Terming the ongoing struggle for right to self-determination as a just and globally recognized legitimate struggle they said, “Our demand is a just demand, which was upheld by the international community besides the leadership of India and Pakistan”.
Referring to India-Pakistan dialogue, they said that Kashmiris have always supported the peace talks with a view that the two countries would resolve the dispute of Kashmir through peaceful negotiations.
Urging the government of Pakistan to pay heed to the human rights situation in Kashmir, they said under the circumstances there was no scope of dialogue.
“India’s peace talks with Pakistan and massacre of innocent Kashmiris cannot go together,” they said.
“The red-carpet welcome given to Indian home minister by Pakistani government amounted to rubbing salt on the bleeding wounds of Kashmiris,” they added.
“Being an important party to the dispute, the Pakistan government should adopt a coherent policy that would reflect the true sentiments and aspirations of Kashmiris as well as the people of Pakistan,” they said.
They also urged the Pakistani print and electronic media to play pro-active role in highlighting the plight of people of Kashmir.
Those who spoke on the occasion included, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, Rafique Ahmed Dar and Sheikh Yaqoob. Chairman of United Jihad Council Syed Salah-u-din also spoke on the occasion. Pertinently, the UJC leadership including deputy chairman Muhammad Usman, general secretary Sheikh Jameel-ur-Rehman and others took part in the rally.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Take Kashmiris on both sides of LoC on board: Zaffar-ul-Haq
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 5: The chairman of Pakistan Muslim League (N) senator Raja Zaffar-ul-Haq has said that before holding dialogue with India, the government of Pakistan should take on board the Kashmiri leadership living on both sides of the line of control.
“It is incumbent on the government and the political forces of the country to come forward with a clear stance on Kashmir to convey a positive message across the LoC,” he said this while talking to APHC leaders in Islamabad Monday.
The former general secretary of Motmar Al-Alam Al-Islami said that his visit to the amalgam’s office was intended to express solidarity with Kashmiris in wake of killings in Valley.
“It is very unfortunate that on one hand India talks about rapprochement and reconciliation with Pakistan but on the other bloodshed and murder of innocent youth continue unabated in Kashmir,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Hurriyat representatives briefed the visiting leader about the worsening human rights situation in the Kashmir valley.
They made a passionate appeal to the government as well as the political leadership of Pakistan to impress up on India to put an immediate end to human rights violations in the territory.
In view of the grim situation, they demanded that PML-N should play its pro-active role to mitigate the sufferings of Kashmir people.
Those who spoke on the occasion included, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, Muzaffar Hussain Shah, Rafique Ahmed Dar and Ishtiaq Hameed.
Islamabad, July 5: The chairman of Pakistan Muslim League (N) senator Raja Zaffar-ul-Haq has said that before holding dialogue with India, the government of Pakistan should take on board the Kashmiri leadership living on both sides of the line of control.
“It is incumbent on the government and the political forces of the country to come forward with a clear stance on Kashmir to convey a positive message across the LoC,” he said this while talking to APHC leaders in Islamabad Monday.
The former general secretary of Motmar Al-Alam Al-Islami said that his visit to the amalgam’s office was intended to express solidarity with Kashmiris in wake of killings in Valley.
“It is very unfortunate that on one hand India talks about rapprochement and reconciliation with Pakistan but on the other bloodshed and murder of innocent youth continue unabated in Kashmir,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Hurriyat representatives briefed the visiting leader about the worsening human rights situation in the Kashmir valley.
They made a passionate appeal to the government as well as the political leadership of Pakistan to impress up on India to put an immediate end to human rights violations in the territory.
In view of the grim situation, they demanded that PML-N should play its pro-active role to mitigate the sufferings of Kashmir people.
Those who spoke on the occasion included, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, Muzaffar Hussain Shah, Rafique Ahmed Dar and Ishtiaq Hameed.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
PaK PM seeks global focus on Kashmir ‘atrocities’
NISAR AHMED THOKAR
Islamabad, July 3: The Prime Minister of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK), Raja Farooq Haider Khan, has urged the world community to take effective cognizance of “the worsening human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“The UNSC and OIC must call an emergency session to take stock of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir”, the PaK premier told media-men after holding a meeting with APHC leaders in Islamabad today. Voicing serious concern over the recent killings, Khan said the world community should come forward in a big way to stop the widespread killings of civilians in Kashmir.
He also demanded that government of Pakistan should raise this issue with India. He said that it was quite astonishing to note that since the Indo-Pak secretary-level talks, violence in Kashmir had increased manifold. “India is following a vicious game-plan, on one hand it talks of peace and dialogue while on the other you see there is no let-up in human rights violations”, he said adding that killing of 9-year old child was the worst example of human rights violations. He urged India to bring an immediate end to human rights violations and release the political leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Ahmed Shah and others.
He was of the view that under the prevailing circumstances there was no scope of dialogue. However, he maintained that Kashmiris were not averse to talks. “We are not against dialogue, we want that peace and prosperity should prevail in the region but let me make clear that this desire for peace would remain illusive unless Kashmir dispute is resolved.”
He stated that there was a dire need to have a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue amongst all the stakeholders to bring about a just and equitable solution of the long-running dispute.
Replying to a query, Khan said that Kashmir dispute was purely an issue of right to self-determination and it has nothing to do with terrorism. Regarding the ‘presence of militant camps in PaK,’ he said that Indians were in a habit of hurling baseless accusations against Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the APHC-M convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar thanked the PM for visiting the amalgam’s office. He said that India’s oppressive policy would not deter Kashmiris from pursuing their cherished goal.
As a mark of solidarity with Kashmiri brethren, the PaK premier earlier visited the APHC office in Islamabad and extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Kashmiri families whose near and dear ones were killed during the recent wave of violence in Kashmir valley.
The leaders of both the Hurriyat factions were present on the occasion. During his two-hour long meeting with Hurriyat representatives, Khan assured his government’s full support to Kashmir cause.
Islamabad, July 3: The Prime Minister of Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK), Raja Farooq Haider Khan, has urged the world community to take effective cognizance of “the worsening human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“The UNSC and OIC must call an emergency session to take stock of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir”, the PaK premier told media-men after holding a meeting with APHC leaders in Islamabad today. Voicing serious concern over the recent killings, Khan said the world community should come forward in a big way to stop the widespread killings of civilians in Kashmir.
He also demanded that government of Pakistan should raise this issue with India. He said that it was quite astonishing to note that since the Indo-Pak secretary-level talks, violence in Kashmir had increased manifold. “India is following a vicious game-plan, on one hand it talks of peace and dialogue while on the other you see there is no let-up in human rights violations”, he said adding that killing of 9-year old child was the worst example of human rights violations. He urged India to bring an immediate end to human rights violations and release the political leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Ahmed Shah and others.
He was of the view that under the prevailing circumstances there was no scope of dialogue. However, he maintained that Kashmiris were not averse to talks. “We are not against dialogue, we want that peace and prosperity should prevail in the region but let me make clear that this desire for peace would remain illusive unless Kashmir dispute is resolved.”
He stated that there was a dire need to have a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue amongst all the stakeholders to bring about a just and equitable solution of the long-running dispute.
Replying to a query, Khan said that Kashmir dispute was purely an issue of right to self-determination and it has nothing to do with terrorism. Regarding the ‘presence of militant camps in PaK,’ he said that Indians were in a habit of hurling baseless accusations against Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the APHC-M convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar thanked the PM for visiting the amalgam’s office. He said that India’s oppressive policy would not deter Kashmiris from pursuing their cherished goal.
As a mark of solidarity with Kashmiri brethren, the PaK premier earlier visited the APHC office in Islamabad and extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Kashmiri families whose near and dear ones were killed during the recent wave of violence in Kashmir valley.
The leaders of both the Hurriyat factions were present on the occasion. During his two-hour long meeting with Hurriyat representatives, Khan assured his government’s full support to Kashmir cause.
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