Fazl seeks Scotland-style plebiscite in India-held Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Kashmir Committee and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday said that peace in South Asia is linked to good Pakistan-India ties, which is not possible without resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

He said this at a seminar oraganised in connection with the Kashmir Day, which is held every year on February 5 to support the cause of resolving the Kashmir dispute.

“If referendum can be held in Scotland then why a similar plebiscite can’t be held in Kashmir?” he questioned.

He said that Kasmiris were sacrificing for their right of self determination, adding that Pakistan stands united with the people of Kashmir.

He also criticized the international community for their discriminatory attitude towards the Kashmir dispute. Fazlur Rehman said India contradicts with the resolutions of United Nations Security Council on the issue.

President All Jammu & Kashmir Muslim Conference, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan said that Kashmir freedom movement had entered a new phase after election in India.

Former prime minister AJK, Sardar Muhammad Yaqub Khan said on the occasion that such seminars give a strong message to the world community regarding basic rights of Kashmiris.

President of JUI-F’s AJK chapter, Saeed Yousaf criticised the Indian policy of populating the valley with Hindu majority.

South Asia peace linked to resolution of Kashmir issue: Rashid

The seminar was also attended by Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid, who said that resolution of Kashmir issue was imperative for durable peace in the South Asia.

Addressing the conference, the minister said that the solution of the Kashmir issue will bring prosperity in the region and its people will get rid of illiteracy and poverty. He said Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris in their just struggle for the right to self determination.

He urged India to fulfill Jawaharlal Nehru’s promise of referendum regarding freedom of Kashmir, adding that India cannot become part of UN Security Council until it fulfils pledges made by Nehru.

Rashid said India should fulfill international obligations if it wants to become permanent member of UN Security Council.