Pak ups the ante by linking resolution of Kashmir issue to success in US-led war on terror

NEW YORK - Pakistan has once again upped the ante by linking the US-Pak war against terror to the Kashmir issue, and stressed that the international community, and America in particular, has a special responsibility in facilitating an acceptable settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

Speaking at the Asia Society, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi drew attention to the plight of people in the Indian-held Kashmir (IHK), the Daily Times reported.

“It is time the international community realised the seriousness of the situation and take practical steps to cure this festering sore of South Asia,” he emphasised. “The United States, as the world leader, has special responsibility towards finding a just and peaceful solution of Kashmir,” he said, adding, “It would also be critical for our joint efforts to contain and eradicate terrorism.”

Qureshi said that Washington had good relations with both Pakistan and India and therefore, “can play a facilitating role” for resolution of the decades-old dispute.

However, he noted that ultimately it would be for India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris to solve the problem, adding that while Islamabad wanted to normalise its relations with India, it could not remain oblivious to Kashmiri people’s plight.

Referring to the ongoing protest in the Kashmir valley, he said, “They are demanding their right to self-determination. Their voice cannot be suppressed.”

The foreign minister also reiterated Pakistan’s unfaltering commitment towards its war against terror despite challenges posed by the recent floods, saying that it did do not want the Talibanisation of Afghanistan because whatever happened in that country would have a fallout on Pakistan. (ANI)