Changed Pak situation to be positive for Kashmir issue: Dr Jehangir

Jammu, Mar 6 (UNI) Noted lawyer and chairperson of Pakistan's Human Rights Commission, Dr Asma Jehangir today said the post-election situation in Islamabad would play a ''positive'' role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Dr Jehangir, who arrived here on her two-day visit today, said she would be interacting with a cross section of people to understand their view point.

Describing the electoral process as lifeline of a democratic set up, the visiting HR activist said the people should always utilise the opportunity to elect their representatives.

Without naming any separatist group, which had been boycotting polls, Dr Jehangir said those who boycott, as well as force others to stay away from elections, should be considered as human rights violators.

She clarified that she was visiting not as representative of Pakistan but as a Special Rapporteur for the United Nations to assess the freedom of religion and faith in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Jehangir is likely to visit Srinagar, the summer capital city of the state,tomorrow.

UNI VBH/VJ AKJ Ya BD1653