Kashmiris must be involved in resolving Kashmir issue: Pak

Sadiq’s comments, made in response to a question about People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti’s suggestions for resolving the Kashmir issue, echoed statements made recently by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani and members of his Cabinet. Pakistan’s Kashmir policy, the spokesman said, is “adjusted according to priorities” though statements made by leaders have made it clear that foreign policy would be evolved through national consensus.

Sadiq said dates for the much-delayed meeting between the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan to wrap up the last round of the composite dialogue process and commence the next round is being “considered and discussed through diplomatic channels”. A decision on the dates is expected “sooner rather than later”, he said.

In response to another question on National Security Advisor M K Narayanan’s comments that Pakistan is supporting violent groups in India, Sadiq said, “We strictly follow the policy of non-interference…. We reject any pretext which is used to cast shadow on the peace process between Pakistan and India.”