Kashmir resolution inevitable for peace, progress in South Asia: Tahir

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas, Maj. (retd) Tahir Iqbal has said that peaceful solution of Kashmir issue through dialogue by involving all the three parties is inevitable as it would ensure security, peace and progress in the South Asian region.
In talking with APP here on Sunday, the minister said India should respond to the bold proposals floated by President Pervez Musharraf for the resolution of Kashmir dispute.
He said the meeting of President Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Havana could bear positive results in this regard.
Tahir Iqbal said that considerable progress has been made in the context of CBMs and India and Pakistan have decided to continue joint search for a peaceful negotiated settlement of all issues including the core issue of Kashmir in a sincere and purposeful manner.
Referring to the various suggestions put forward by President Pervez Musharraf for peaceful settlement of the dispute, the Minister said the President has suggested three ideas , i.e. demilitarization of Kashmir, self- governance, and joint management in Kashmir.
Commenting over the proposal of self-governance, the Minister said it is one of the many proposals aimed at empowering the Kashmiri people and finding ways to enable them achieve their rights.
The Minister added that it is an important element in the search for peaceful settlement which requires focussed discussions and the Kashmiris themselves should discuss and elaborate a workable arrangement that reflects their aspirations.
Tahir Iqbal urged the international community, especially the European Union, to come forward and support an amicable resolution of Kashmir dispute as this is imperative to peace and security of South Asian region and also to the peace of the entire world.
Regarding development in Northern Areas, the Minister said that special emphasis is being given to tourism, mineral development, small and medium enterprise including food packaging and other cottage industries in NA’s, and the government has invited the European companies to invest in these areas.
He said more rights are being recommended for people of NA’s through ammendments in Legal Framework Order, and an amount of Rs. 10.02 billion is being spent this year for development there.—APP