Pakistan will never step back from its principled stand on Kashmir

Local Wednesday, February 6th, 2008

NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani said
Tuesday that Pakistan will never step-back from its principled stand on
Kashmir and continue its unflinching political, moral and diplomatic
support to the Kashmiris in their liberation struggle.

Addressing
a function held here at Governor House in connection with Kashmir
Solidarity Day, the Governor said that President Musharraf had started
sincere, sustained and purposeful dialogue with India for peaceful
settlement of the long standing dispute.

The
President had presented various proposals to find out a durable and
long lasting solution of the lingering Kashmir issue, which is also
acceptable to Kashmiris, he added.

Despite
Pakistan’s sincerity and courageous efforts, he said that it is
unfortunate that so far no concrete progress had been made because of
the delaying tactics and non-serious attitude of the other side. He,
however said that negotiations were underway to find out its permanent
solution, which is acceptable to all.

The Governor said that Pakistan was a unique country that possesses its own Islamic identity and social values.

Owais
while referring to the baseless propaganda from some quarters against
two-nation theory said it still existed and will be protected as it is
the base of Pakistan’s creation. He underscored the need for giving
more strength to the theory as it had given due importance to Kashmir
also.

“Kashmir
is the unfinished agenda of the Independent Movement, which resulted in
the creation of Pakistan”. He said that one of the reasons of
Pakistani’s attachment with the Kashmir of its soil and fresh water’s
role in Pakistan’s growing economy. He said that poet of the East Dr
Allama Muhammad Iqbal who shaped the Pakistan’s ideology was also
Kashmiri.

“Pakistan
is sovereign country and will protect its national interests at all
cost.” He stressed the need of further strengthening the country’s
military power, economy and political system besides reviewing the
administrative machinery to effective cope with the challenges laying a
head.

“The
so called civilized world had given exemplary punishment to those who
showed weaknesses in their ranks. The example of Iraq and Afghanistan
are before us. We will not allow any one to create any space for
weaknesses in our ranks and take advantage for their ulterior motives.”

The
Governor said that all governments in the past whether political and
non-political had taken right geo-political decisions on different
occasion by keeping in view the ground realities. “We all are Muslims
and we must unit against elements trying to disrupt the country’s
peaceful environment for their vested interests.” He said there may
terrains for battles or Jehad somewhere else but there is no place for
Jehad or battle in our country,” he remarked. Tribal people are very
patriotic and rendered great sacrifices for the country, adding if
Pakistan is stronger then tribesmen would be prosperous. He urged the
tribesmen to strengthen government hands in flushing out elements which
is also essential for their development and prosperity of tribal areas.

The
Governor also urged the members of civil society and intelligentsia to
create the message of hope and courage among public. Pakistan has the
resources and its people have the spirit to foil the evil designs of
anti-state elements and meet any challenges in future. Later, the
Governor offered fateha for departed souls of Rawalpindi blast victims.

Earlier,
the Chief Minister, Shamsul Mulk in his address paid glowing tributes
to martyrs and people of Kashmir for their valiant struggle for
liberation of Kashmir. He said that the just struggle of Kashmiris will
continue from one generation to another. The participants later offered
Dua for the country’s integrity and solidarity,liberation of held
valley and for soul of martyrs. Provincial ministers, academicians,
members from civil society, students, intelligentsia and tribal elders
attended.

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