Peace in South Asia linked to resolution of Kashmir dispute: Speaker NA

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ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Kashmir dispute remains close to the heart of every Pakistani and the future of both Pakistan and Kashmir is linked.

He asserted that durable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolution of Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people. He said this while talking to President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan who called on Speaker Nation Assembly in Parliament House, today.

Reiterating support for the Kashmiri people, the Speaker said that Pakistan will stand by Kashmiris till the realization of their demands for a peaceful resolution of the issue and will continue to provide diplomatic, political and moral support to them. He said that current government was availing every opportunity to raise Kashmir dispute on international forums. He said that brave people of Kashmir have rendered countless sacrifices in course of claiming the right to self-determination and have remained resolute and steadfast against the oppression, spreading more than six decades.

AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan expressed his gratitude on Pakistan’s stanch and firm support to the people of Kashmir. He said that the present government has taken up this issue irrespective of political differences amongst parties and represented Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Kashmiris’ plight on regional and international forums. He praised the government for raising human rights violation and atrocities being committed by the Indian forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir on such platforms. He said that Pakistan’s withdrawal as host of the 61st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference on the grounds of decision not to extend an invitation to the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir Assembly reflects the firm and unwavering resolve of Pakistan to remain committed to the Kashmiris’ right of self-determination in accordance with the Resolutions of the UN Security Council.

Sardar Yaqoob admired federal government’s development and educational endeavors including establishment of University of Azad Kashmir in AJ&K. He said that such projects would not only bring social and economic prosperity in AJK but would also strengthen brotherly ties of people of Kashmir with the people of other provinces of Pakistan.