We desire to resolve Kashmir issue in accordance with historic stand: FM

KARACHI: The country’s Kashmir policy has been formulated after due consideration and it was, is and will be our desire that this longstanding issue should be resolved in accordance with our historic stand. This was stated by Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, here on Saturday.
He was talking to reporters at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Earlier, the Minister laid a floral wreath at the Mazar, offered Fateha and recorded his impressions in the Visitors’ Book.
He said the just solution of the Kashmir issue should also be in line with the wishes of the people of Kashmir and of Pakistan.
Qureshi pointed out that as soon as the present government was formed, the Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, contacted him by telephone and expressed good wishes.
He said the Indian Foreign Minister also expressed the desire that the talks between our two countries which were stalled for some time due to some reasons, should be resumed.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he also thinks that the composite dialogue should be resumed at the earliest.
He said the Indian Foreign Minister has been extended an invitation for a visit and the dates in this connection are being determined.
Qureshi said the Indian Foreign Secretary would be visiting first and opinions would be formed regarding conclusions of the fourth round of talks between the two countries.
He stated that keeping in view these conclusions, we will lay the basis for the next round of talks.
Qureshi was of the view that it is in the interest of both the countries to resolve our problems through negotiations.
He said that we are neighbours and we should live with the spirit of accommodation and in an amicable way and this is in the interest of our two countries.
Qureshi pointed out that there are a number of difficulties which we are facing and there are some that are being faced by them.
He said if we bring out improvements in our ties then this will benefit the people of our two countries.
The Foreign Minister further stated that our policy would be to promote good relations with all the countries of the world but in particular with the big powers as well as with our immediate neighbours.
He reiterated that Pakistan wants peace and stability in the region and that our country would honour its international obligations and commitments.
Qureshi said our desire would be to improve the country’s image in the comity of nations and have closer ties with the Islamic countries.
He stated that keeping our house in order would also reflect on our international image.
Foreign Minister said that by the grace of Almighty Allah an elected, democratic government has been formed in Pakistan and it is aware of the needs of the country as well as the expectations of the people.
He made it very clear that the prime mover of the very basis of our policy would be our national interest which would be kept supreme.
To a question, Qureshi said after 9/11 there were some concerns with regard to Pakistanis living abroad, but by and large these have been removed.
Foreign Minister also pointed out that the Pakistanis living in the United States, European countries and the Middle East are very useful citizens of those countries and contributing to their economies.
Qureshi said that with the passage of time there has been a realisation in those countries that these Pakistanis are peaceful people.
He stated that our doctors, engineers and workers have a role towards the development process of these countries.
To a question, the Foreign Minister said law and order and peace is in our country’s interest and with peace in the country the investment would also pour in and economy would flourish.