Kashmir resolution must for peace, progress in SA: Tahir
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA) Maj (retd) Tahir Iqbal has said the settlement of Kashmir dispute is a prerequisite for security, peace, progress and lasting peace in the South Asian region.
He was talking to a delegation of Hurriyat Conference comprising Syed Yousaf Naseem, Shabbir Ahmed Saghar and Raja Khadim Hussain here. The Minister said a peaceful solution of Kashmir issue can only be achieved through diplomatic efforts and dialogue, and Kashmiri leadership would definitely be involved in the process.
The Minister said the government is maintaining direct coordination with the Kashmiri leadership including Hurriyat Conference. He said that President Musharraf’s vision and sincerity regarding issue would bring positive results as the President has emphasized
the need for “out of box thinking,” sincerity, flexibility and courage to address the issue. Referring to the various suggestions floated by President Pervez Musharraf for peaceful settlement of the dispute, the Minister said that the President has suggested three ideas , i.e., demilitarization, self-governance, and joint management in Kashmir; all these proposals are aimed at empowering the Kashmiri people for finding ways to enable them achieve the right of self-determination.
He said the government is fully committed to the socio-economic progress of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the democratically elected assembly and the Government in AJK are working for the welfare of their people. The Minister assured the members of delegation that Ministry of Kashmir Affairs would endeavour to provide best health and education facilities to the Kashmiri Refugees who were residing in camps, and would also ensure that quota reserved for the refugees in jobs and education institutions is strictly followed.
He also promised the delegation that the Government would make efforts to resolve the problems being faced by the Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), for getting entry passes for crossing the LOC through the crossing points. The members of delegation expressed full confidence in the leadership and sincerity of the President and the Minister and vowed their full support to the efforts being made by the GOP for peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute.
They said the Kashmiris would never compromise on right of self determination and the struggle would continue till the objectives are achieved.