PA expresses solidarity with Kashmiris

Passes a resolution demanding referendum in Kashmir to settle the dispute

LAHORE: The Provincial Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a resolution expressing solidarity with Kashmiris and demanding that a referendum be held in the state to settle the dispute.

The resolution moved Law Minister Rana Sanaullah stated: “this house shows complete solidarity with its Kashmiri brothers and assures them of complete moral and political support. Quaid-i-Azam had termed Kashmir the jugular vein of Pakistan. This House demands that a referendum be held in Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the United Nations’ resolutions.”

The resolution urged the federal government to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiri freedom fighters.

Leader of the Opposition Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed said that the government should improve its relations with India. However, he said, the resolution of the Kashmir dispute should remain a priority concern.

Commenting on Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s absence from the House, Jamaat-i-Islami’s Dr Waseem Akhtar said that it would have been better if he were present on the occasion.

He said that there could be no progress in the country till Kashmir’s independence. He condemned the UN saying that it was biased against Muslims. He said India had never been a well wisher of Pakistan. He said Pakistan should establish trade relations with India only if the latter recalled its troops from Occupied Kashmir.

PPP’s Faiza Mailk said the government shouldn’t make any compromise on the Kashmir dispute.

The House was then adjourned till Monday.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2016.