Resolution of Kashmir, Palestine key to World peace: Soomro
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—The world peace hinges on the resolution of key issues like Palestine and Kashmir and interfaith dialogue and developing the culture of tolerance would help achieve the desired objective.
This consensus was developed during a meeting between Mr. William Hague, the British Shadow Foreign Secretary and Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro at the Parliament House here on Thursday.
Senators S.M. Zafar, Mr. Latif Khosa, Mr. Ilyas Bilour and Talha Mahmood were also present. During the meeting, they discussed matters relating to Pakistan UK ties; the region geo-political situation with particular reference to the situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Kashmir.
The British Shadow Foreign Secretary apprised the Senate Chairman about the aims and objectives of the visit. He said that he was here to know about the history and culture of the people of this region with a view to have a clear understanding of the issues confronting the people in this part of the world. He said that the Iraq situation was mishandled and immediate pullout could be disastrous.
The Senate Chairman, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro informed the British Shadow Foreign Secretary that Pakistan has taken a number of initiatives for the resolution of Kashmir and to improve ties with India but the response from the other side was very slow. Regarding the situation in Afghanistan, the Senate Chairman opined that Pakistan wanted stability in neighboring Afghanistan. He was of the view that bringing the local people in to the main stream, developing infrastructure and taking steps for the eradication of poverty would surely pave the way to restore peace in Afghanistan. The Senators pointed out that Pakistan had to bear the influx of millions of Afghan refugees for decades. It was pointed out that poppy cultivation had badly affected the social fabric of our people and steps should be taken by the international community to ensure that the people opt for some other crop to earn their livelihood.
Underlying the need for developing the culture of tolerance, the Senate Chairman pointed out that in 2002, anti Muslim riots erupted in Indian State of Gujrat but there was no provocative act in any part of the Province of Sindh despite the fact that quite a large number of Hindus reside in the province. The entire Hindu community remained secure there and their places of worship were not harmed at all. He said that, on the other hand, the Government of Pakistan got repaired and renovated their temples. Mr. Soomro called for dispelling the impression that Islam, in any way, breeds terrorism. He said that Islam is a religion which advocates peace and harmony and no religion preached intolerance. Lord Ashcroft and British High Commissioner designate to Pakistan was alsopresent.