Mehbooba, Qayyum discuss cross-border CBMs

Islamabad, Apr 1 (UNI) Visiting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti and All J&K Muslim Conference chief and former president and prime minister of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan have resolved to press for the speedy implementation of the J&K-specific cross-border Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).

The two leaders met in Rawalpindi yesterday to discuss the political and economic issues concerning the two parts of J&K.

They stressed on the implementation of cross-border CBMs including the facilitation of free movement of people and goods across the two sides through all the traditional routes.

The two also discussed the measures to ensure lasting peace and stability in the State in the hour-long meeting.

They said the Indian and Pakistani governments must remove the impediments delaying trade through Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road. ''It is ironic that cement consignments from Pakistan are allowed to land in Kashmir all through Wagah border and not through Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road,'' they observed.

They added that for the larger economic good of the people of J&K and the region, the leadership of the two countries must get all the obstacles hampering cross-LoC trade resolved, as soon as possible.

UNI XC SKB DS1440