Make more objective report on JK; Pak to EP

Islamabad, May 25: Pakistan today urged the European Parliament to make a more objective report on Kashmir, saying the present one contains numerous factual inaccuracies.

We have noted the adoption of the Report on Kashmir, ''Present Situation and Future Prospects by the European Parliament with numerous factual inaccuracies,'' Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said here today.

She said before adoption, the report which was initially highly biased and one sided, had been modified through dozens of amendments, still leaving much to be desired to make it more objective and have a positive influence to further promote efforts for a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

"We have yet to fully examine the report, but a cursory reading indicates that the report calls upon India and Pakistan to continue efforts for a resolution of the Kashmir issue in the light of the ideas of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf," she added.

At the same time, the report contains numerous factual inaccuracies, distortions and extraneous elements which have no bearing on the Jammu and Kashmir issue, she added.

"This detracts from the objectivity and credibility of the report and, therefore, undermines the ability of the European Parliament to play a helpful role," she said and maintained that the report's criticism of the initial handling of the October 2005 earthquake is belied by facts.

"Pakistan Government's quick response and subsequent relief and rehabilitation efforts, with the assistance of the international community, have been universally acknowledged and are being cited as a model rescue and relief mission by the United Nations".

She asked international community to put its weight behind the efforts for a solution that represents the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

"This is a heavy responsibility on the international community as failure to address longstanding disputes is already having grave consequences for global peace and security", she stressed.

She hoped that the European Union and the European Parliament support efforts for a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

UNI