Resolution of K-dispute must for peace in Sout Asia: Attique

NISAR AHMED THOKAR

Pak:Kashmiri leaders during a press talks

Islamabad, Dec 6: The Prime Minister of Pakistan administered Kashmir, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, has said that the international community should resolve the issue of Kashmir before elevating India as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

This was asserted by Khan while talking to reporters after a meeting with the leaders of APHC here on Monday.  The PaK premier was of the view that Kashmiris would have no objection whatsoever if India resolves the long-pending dispute as per the wishes of the people of Kashmir.

Terming settlement of Kashmir as key to greater peace and prosperity in the region, he expressed the optimism that that the international community was gradually realizing the importance of the early resolution of Kashmir issue. He said that European Parliament and OIC have been vociferously raising their voice in support of Kashmiris right to self-determination.

Referring to HR situation in Kashmir, he expressed concern over the worsening human rights violations in the territory and urged the world HR bodies to take cognizance of the situation. He denounced the attacks on Hurriyat leaders and said that such attacks by the extremist forces would not break Kashmiris political resolve.

Earlier, during one and half-hour long meeting that was attended by the representatives of both the Hurriyat factions, he was apprised of the prevailing political situation in Kashmir. Besides, conveners of both the segregated factions Mehmood Ahmed Saghar and Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the meeting was attended by Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Ghulam Nabi Nowshehri, JKLF leader Rafique Ahmed Dar and others.

Meanwhile, Kashmiri traders engaged in cross LoC trade have expressed serious concern over the hostile behavior of the custom and taxation department of Pakistan alleging that the department was creating hurdles thereby imposing undue restrictions on transportation.

Advocate Pervaiz Ahmed, a member of the trade union told Greater Kashmir that despite the incumbent regime’s assurances the department was not co-operating with the business community. He said that this unfriendly attitude would have serious implications on future prospects of cross-LOC trade.