Dialogue imperative for resolution of Kashmir issue: Aziz

Islamabad, Mar 9 (UNI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today expressed the hope that New Delhi and Islamabad would remain engaged in ''substantive'' dialogue to resolve the core issue of Kashmir in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

''The time has come to move from dispute management to dispute resolution,'' he said while addressing a group of Pakistani envoys here.

The Prime Minister asked the Pakistani missions abroad to adopt a proactive approach to convey to the world that Pakistan was a progressive, democratic and moderate country with a fast growing economy, which was playing a pivotal role for regional and international peace and security.

He said it also needed to be underscored that the country had joined the war against terrorism out of conviction because it was in its own national interest and in the interest of peace in the region and the world.

Pakistan, he said, was doing all it could to stem the scourge of terrorism and extremism and had achieved significant success in its efforts.

On Afghanistan, he said his country was of the firm view that stability in the country was essential for achieving peace in the region and can only be achieved through a holistic approach.

Mr Aziz reiterated the government's stand on Iran's nuclear programme and said Pakistan was against nuclear proliferation.

However, it recognised Iran's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.

He emphasised that Pakistan was against the use of force against Iran as it would destabilise the region, which was already facing several challenges.

UNI