‘Stable Pakistan can help Kashmiris effectively’

LAHORE

A politically stable, economically stronger and viable Pakistan can play its role more effectively in the resolution of Kashmir dispute and in helping Kashmiris to get their right of self-determination. 

These were the views expressed by the speakers on the concluding session of two-day international conference “Kashmir in Focus: Avoiding Conflict and Quest for Peace” organised by Punjab University’s Pakistan Study Centre here on Thursday. 

Senator Mushahid Ullah Khan of the PML-N, expert on foreign affairs Muhammad Mahdi, Huma Baqai, Prof Dr Massarat Abid, eminent experts from various parts of the country and abroad and a large number of students were present on the occasion. 

The conference, consisted of nine sessions, was aimed at drawing international attention towards the plight of the people of Indian-held Kashmir and also to underscore the need of the resolution of Kashmir issue for improved relations between Pakistan and India as well as for regional peace. 

The conference recommended that mobilisation of international opinion in support of the Kashmir cause is related to Pakistan’s political stability. The speakers of the conference agreed that diplomatic efforts in this regard must be solidly based on the regional and global ground realities. They said since Kashmir issue was a major destabilising factor threatening regional peace and security, UN Security Council needed to be approached with proper homework.

The conference also recommended that the UN secretary general be approached to put the disputed territory of Jammu & Kashmir under the administration of UN Trusteeship Council for 10 years so as to alleviate the plight of Kashmiris.

They stressed the need for normalisation of Pakistan-India relations as it was essential for lasting peace in the region. They were of the view Kashmir could not be resolved by war.