Aziz links sustainable peace in South Asia with Kashmir resolution

Islamabad, Dec 30 (UNI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the resolution of the Kashmir issue, in accordance with Kashmiris' wishes, was a ''vital'' step towards sustainable peace in South Asia.

''Just settlement of the Kashmir issue would enable Pakistan and India to leverage their full economic potential and help improve their people's living standards,'' Daily Times quoted Mr Aziz as saying during his meeting with so-called Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Sardar Attiq Ahmad Khan here last evening.

The Prime Minster expressed satisfaction that conditions in the areas affected by last October's earthquake were returning to normal.

The two leaders also discussed steps for promoting tourism in Kashmir and exploiting its hydel potential for the generation of electricity.

Mr Khan said Kashmiris were grateful for the Pakistan government's support in rehabilitating and rebuilding the quake-affected areas.

He apprised Mr Aziz of the status of the ongoing reconstruction projects in the quake-hit areas and assured him of their completion within the stipulated timeframe.

UNI XC KD BD1734