Previous regime's CBMs on Kashmir right: Zardari

Islamabad, Mar 29: The new PPP-led government in Pakistan would continue to pursue the confidence-building measures (CBMs) with India which were started by the previous government to resolve the Kashmir issue, said PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

He said that the new government was willing to solve the Kashmir issue with New Delhi. "We not only want these CBMs to continue, but we also want to move forward and solve this issue. We have always said that dialogue is a political tool that we have to use. We've always believed in dialogue under any and all conditions. The PPP has put Kashmir on its agenda since the Shimla Accord and since 1988," the Daily Times quoted Zardari as saying while speaking to reporters after a meeting with eminent Kashmiri leader Mehbooba Mufti at Zardari House.

He added: "We think it is the time when we should give our children pens instead of guns, and promote peace in the region."

After meeting Zardari, Mehbooba said that she hoped the new PPP-led government would play an important role in resolving the Kashmir issue. The policy of the previous government towards Indian-held Kashmir (IHK) was also positive, added Mehbooba.

"I think Kashmir has its own individuality. Relations between India and Pakistan do have an impact on the Kashmir situation, but it's not the only thing. Kashmir is growing in itself - it's like a mini-state in a country. So you just cannot stop the peace process and put it on the back burner, because if you put it there again you will have to start from zero," Mehbooba said. She demanded the revival of IHK's pre-1947 status without further explanations.

ANI