‘UN resolutions strong basis to resolve K-dispute’

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Islamabad, Oct 19: Rejecting any out of the box solution of the Kashmir dispute, the delegates at a seminar hosted by Justice (Rtd) Manzoor Gilani here on Monday resolved that the relevant UN resolutions provide a comprehensive mechanism to bring about a durable and lasting solution to the issue.

Held under the aegis of Association for the Rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ( ARJK) the seminar was attended by former diplomats, academicians, jurists, lawyers, media men and the people hailing from different shades of opinion including Jehangir Ashraf Qazi, the former Ambassador, Inam- ul- Haq the former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, renowned political analyst Asif Ezdi, Air Marshal Mansoor Akther, the vice- chairman of the ARJK, Afzal Shigri, Ijaz Hussain and several others.

Justice Gilani said ARJK was established to work for the achievement of basic rights besides securing the constitutional rights of the people of the state of J& Kcomprising “ PaK and Gilgit Baltistan”. He however made it clear that the achievement of the right of self- determination for the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir remains the paramount objective of the Association.

He said as per the international covenants the status of the state had to be decided by the people through a free, fair and impartial plebiscite to be held under the auspicious of the United Nations.

Jehangir Ashraf Qazi said in view of the changes sweeping across the globe there was a dire need that a coherent Kashmir policy, acceptable to the people of Kashmir, had to be evolved at national level.

He said in view of the ongoing movement in Kashmir, the APHC leadership should foster complete unanimity within their ranks and files.

Former foreign minister of Pakistan Inam- ul- Haq was of the view that depriving people of Kashmir from their birth right was the biggest rights violations.

“ New generation of Kashmir has completely rejected India, as an option”, he said adding that Pakistan was not against Kashmiris’ freedom.