Ex-envoy urges steps to solve Kashmir issue

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former ambassador to India Abdul Basit has said India under no circumstances will sit on the negotiations table for the Kashmir dispute at present therefore rather than begging for deliberations, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government must take practical steps.
Basit expressed these thoughts while addressing a seminar held in Islamabad.
“Pakistan is not doing justice with freedom movement in the Indian occupied Kashmir,” said Basit adding the government has a great responsibility of taking practical measures for resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
“Kashmiris have rendered innumerable sacrifices for freedom but it is unfortunate that some federal ministers are making statements on improving relations with India and showing their desire for deliberations,” lamented the former ambassador.
Basit further said although he supports promotion of cultural ties but India is still working on its typical strategy and attack on the Chinese consulate is a part of the same conspiracy.
“While the global comity of nations is mute over Kashmir issue, we need to take up the voice of the Kashmiris to the world so it feels its conscience,” he said demanding the government to go beyond mere speeches and practically arrive at a solution for the dispute.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party senior leader Farhatullah Babar in his address recommended the government to call up a UN convention on the longstanding dispute so the usage of pellet guns in Kashmir is stopped.
“The convention will add up pressure on India,” suggested Babar adding the freedom movement by Kashmiris should not be mixed or stained with activities of non-state actors.
The PPP leader also said his party has been the biggest advocate for freedom of Kashmir and it will keep supporting Kashmiris in their cause.