Kashmir issue to be resolved according to Kashmiris: Soomro

Islamabad, Feb 12 (UNI) Pakistan will continue to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination till the issue was resolved, Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Mian Soomro has said.

Addressing the 41st session of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir Council yesterday, Mr Soomro said people of Pakistan and Kashmir shared common faith, history, heritage and traditions and the Kashmir issue must be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He said peace, stability and development in South Asia region could be achieved only through the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The Government of Pakistan was fully committed to the process of composite dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir issue, but there was need for flexible and bold initiatives from the Indian side as well, the Associated Press of Pakistan quoted him as saying.

The Prime Minister said President Prevez Musharraf had already offered a four-point formula for amicably resolving this issue to achieve lasting peace in the region.

He stressed the need for a purposeful dialogue process involving all the stakeholders for its early resolution.

The Prime Minister said it was high time to move forward from conflict management to conflict resolution.

UNI XC SYU RS1715