Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif invites India to resolve Kashmir issue

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday invited India for useful talks to peacefully resolve the longstanding dispute over Kashmir. Addressing the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Nawaz Sharif stressed that the region will remain in the grip of uncertainty and confrontation as long as Kashmir dispute is not resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan and India have fought three wars, two over Kashmir, since their independence from the British colonial rule in 1947. India consider its part of Kashmir as its integral part while Pakistan insists it is an disputed territory and the people will have to decide its future. A Line of Control divides Pakistan and India in the disputed Kashmir region. "Non-resolution of the dispute will also have adverse effect on the socio-economic development of the region," he said as people in Pakistan and its controlled Kashmir observed a Kashmir " Solidarity Day". Pakistani government declares a holiday on Feb. 5 every year to observe the day. Religious and political parties take out processions across Pakistan and Kashmir. The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the Indian leadership while realizing the sensitivity of the issue will reciprocate to his invitation of dialogue in a positive manner and give right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir. "Good friendly relations could develop between both the neighboring countries if India accepts the right to self- determination of Kashmiri people," Nawaz Sharif said. He reiterated that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with India including the core issue of Kashmir through meaningful and result-oriented dialogue. Nawaz Sharif said Kashmir dispute remains on the list of unfinished agenda of the United Nations and this issue has a central place for peace in the South Asia. He said like other parts of the world, the Kashmiris also have the right to decide their future with their own free will.