Kashmir resolution crucial to peace in South Asia: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Nearly three weeks after the Indo-Pak joint statement in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Pakistan on Wednesday insisted that there was no change in
its foreign policy and raked up its demand for an "independent Kashmir" for "long-lasting" peace in South Asia.

Asked if Pakistan's foreign policy had witnessed a U-turn in recent times, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said there was no major change in the country's stance on issues concerning external affairs.

"There has been no change in our foreign policy. We want an independent Kashmir. We want the Kashmir issue to be resolved in accordance with the wishes of the people," Basit told newsmen here.

There was no mention of Kashmir in the Indo-Pak joint statement that was issued on July 16 after the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani in Sharm-el-Sheikh on the sidelines of the summit of Non-Aligned Movement.

In the joint statement India and Pakistan said "dialogue is the only way forward" and New Delhi agreed to "discuss all issues with Pakistan, including all outstanding issues".

"On a basic level until the issue of Kashmir is resolved we cannot imagine long-lasting peace in the region," Basit said.

He said with a democratically-elected government at the helm in Pakistan, the diplomatic tools available with it had increased.

"We can use these tools better to achieve our foreign policy objectives," Basit said.

He maintained that dialogue was necessary to address all issues between the two countries.

"As far as India is concerned, we have issues, which should be resolved through dialogue. We have always tried to do so. Presently terrorism is a major problem before us which needs to be addressed," he said.

Talking to reporters in Karachi, Basit said there is a need to shift from a paradigm of conflict to one of cooperation as far as relations between Pakistan and India are concerned.

Calling for a change of mindset, he said there are about 400 million people living below the poverty line in India and poverty is also one of the challenges confronting Pakistan.

Basit said he was optimistic that the Indian leadership and people would understand that that terrorism and militancy are issues facing the entire region.

He also hoped they would understand the need for shifting the paradigm with regard to ties between the two countries from conflict to cooperation.

Replying to a question about the Mumbai terror attacks, he said those responsible for the incident should be brought to book and punished.

Pakistan is not oblivious to its defense needs and there will be no compromise on the credible defense of the country, Basit said.

"We would fully protect the country's interests," he added.

Responding to another question, he said Pakistan and the US are together in the fight against terrorism. Referring to US drone attacks within Pakistani territory, he said, "We are aware of the concerns of the people of Pakistan and these drone attacks should be stopped."