Musharraf asked to convene joint session of parliament on Pak-India relations

Former Finance Minister and PML (N) leader, Sartaj Aziz, has demanded of General Pervez Musharraf to immediately convene joint session of the parliament for discussion on foreign policy particularly with reference to disputed matter with India. While addressing a seminar on 'Pak-India Relations' organised by Pakistan National Forum here on Monday, Sartaj said this session is a tradition in Pakistan since 1985, therefore, he (Musharraf) must convene the session without further loss of time so as to evolve the strategy on Pak-India relations.
He realised that war could not resolve bilateral disputes, the then Indian Prime Minister, Vajpayee visited Pakistan in 1997 and signed historic Lahore Declaration. Unfortunately, the Kargil episode sabotaged the peace and reconciliation process between the two countries.
"The Indian government is showing stubborn attitude, while its army is suppressing the innocent Kashmiris. Pakistan has shown flexibility on its principle stance without same response from India, which started construction of Baglihar Dam and we had to approach the World Bank for resolution of dispute," he added.
He was of the view that Baglihar Dam issue was not properly highlighted in the world media. The Pakistan government must not show any hurry in resolving the Kashmir issue, as it would damage the Kashmir cause.
PML (Q) leader and eminent lawyer, Senator S M Zafar said on the occasion that 57-year confrontation between the two countries could not finish without resolution of Kashmir issue.
He asked the Indian government to stop human rights violation in Occupied Kashmir, immediately withdraw the draconian laws and continue peace process. He further said that the Indian government would have to seek approval from its parliament before bringing any change in its policy on Kashmir. He, however, said that Pakistani people would never accept any unjustified decision on Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mubashar Hasan accused the Pakistani army generals of prolonging confrontation between Pakistan and India. The exchange of various delegations forced the then Indian Prime Minister, Vajpayee to visit Pakistan, but Kargil issue sabotaged the whole process, he added.
He was of the view that the Indian establishment did not allow signing of Agra declaration. He claimed that the Indian government has planned two-phased autonomy formula on Kashmir, under which forces would be withdrawn in first phase. He stated that India is non-serious in negotiations, which is hitting the peace process.
Akram Zaki, Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Mowahid Hussain, Allama Maqsood Qadri, Qudsia Lodhi, Arif Nizami and Dr Humayun Khan also spoke on the occasion.