Yasin Malik arrives with relief goods
By Our Special Correspondent
ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz told APHC leader from occupied
Kashmir Yasin Malik here Wednesday that his good gesture of bringing
relief goods for quake victims in Azad Kashmir demonstrated the strong
bonds between the people on both sides of the Line of Control.
Talking to reporters after a meeting with the Kashmiri leader, the Prime
Minister reiterated Pakistan’s principled stand for resolution of the
Kashmir dispute according to the aspirations of the Kashmiris.
Shaukat Aziz said there are three parties to the Kashmir issue and any
solution should be acceptable to Pakistan, India and the people of
Kashmir.
Appreciating the feelings of people in occupied Kashmir which were
conveyed to him by Yasin Malik, the Prime Minister said Pakistan greatly
respects the Kashmiri brothers.
He said that sacrifices of the Kashmiris would not go in vain.
Referring to President Pervez Musharraf’s offer to allow Kashmiris
across the Line of Control to help their quake-hit brothers in Azad
Kashmir the Prime Minister said that modalities would be settled through
consultations between the two countries.
Online adds: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that it would not
deviate or compromise on it’s stance on Kashmir issue on any cost,
whatsoever.
Talking to media and press on Wednesday he said that the Kashmir dispute
would be settled in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the
Kashmiri nation.
He reiterated his desire for a closer and better interaction between
Kashmiris from both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and said that
both governments would also hold necessary talks. He cited the visit of
JKLF leader Yasin Malik, on a missionary zeal, which showcases the
height of concern of IHK people for their quake stricken brethren.
He said that he had detailed and comprehensive talks with Yasin Malik
and has also outlined all the aspects of Pakistan-Kashmir cooperation in
solving this core issue. Kashmir, he said is understood be the third
party in the ongoing peace talks.
He said that so far about 48000 deaths have been reported due to the
devastating quake, and about 67000 have been wounded , which is bound to
increase.
He said that the people of IHK have taken the pain and sufferings of
their quake stricken brethren as their responsibility.
He said that to date , about 700 million dollars have been received in
relief package from abroad, whereas there has been a nationwide
collection of Rs 4.6 billion worth of donations. The government is
trying to complete rescue, relief and rehabilitation on merit basis.
He said that a chain of field hospitals have been established , which
would continue to increase. Tent-cities have been established to provide
better shelter before the onset of fast approaching winter. More
helicopters are coming to join in the rescue and relief operations.
Special emphasis would be given to schools, so as not to hamper the
educational process.
He said that access to Neelum and Jhelum Valley zones is being sought
after and heavy machinery has arrived to speed up opening of blocked or
inaccessible passages.
He lauded the selfless and zealous fervor of the masses , which has
shown a remarkable show of empathy and concern, from Khyber to Karachi.
He said that he was simply overwhelmed by the response shown by the
public, who has endeavored to stay thick and thin in these testing
times.
He said that Pakistan Army was working in tandem with the World Bank to
assess the damage caused by the horrendous quake. The donor agencies
would take initiatives in accordance with Geneva Conference.
He termed the recent quake as a very serious occurring, which was dealt
effectively with Pakistan’s Foreign policy and integrity . It was due to
these factors that the entire world has rushed forward to help us in
these dire times.
He said that about 32 countries were working along with Pakistani
workers and volunteers, and more helicopters are pouring in for relief
airdrop and rescue services. He said that rehabilitation would take
about US$ 5 billion to contemplate, but it is hoped that Pakistan would
be able to close in this gap with friendly help from international
donors. |
