Sultan’s visit to help resolve Kashmir issue

ISLAMABAD: Extending congratulation Barrister Sultan Mehmood's successful three-day visit to Occupied Kashmir, Member of European Parliament, Sajjad H. Karim said that the tour highlighted the on-going efforts which are taking place on all sides to bring peace to the Jammu and Kashmir region.

"I have no doubt that your meeting with key political activists and Chief Minister of Occupied Kashmir, Omar Abdullah will sow the seeds for further discussions to bring a peaceful resolution to take place between India and Pakistan," he made these remarks in a letter to Barrister Sultan Mehmood received here on Sunday.

He said as a Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan Group and member of the European Parliament Friends of India Group, he has endeavored to draw attention to the ongoing dispute in Jammu and Kashmir and have emphasized the need for the European Union to play an active role in helping to solve the dispute.

Sajjad Karim also wrote a letter to European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton calling for condemnation of the systematic abuse of human rights by the Indian security forces in Held Valley.

He said it was very encouraging that former AJK Prime Minister, Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary, was able to enter the Indian held Kashmir and meet with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and political activists.

Sajjad Karim said there have been notable improvements in the peace process between India and Pakistan.

Expressing serious concern on discovery of 2,156 bodies buried in 40 unmarked graves in Occupied Kashmir, he said, "I write to ask you to support the widespread condemnation of these unlawful killings."

He also strongly urged Baroness Ashton to play an active role in cooling down the simmering tensions between the two nuclear neighbours, Pakistan and India.

It may be mentioned here that Barrister Sultan Mehmood, during his visit to Occupied Kashmir last week, met Chief Minister of Occupied Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, Chairman, All Parties Syed Ali Shah Gillani, Shabbir Shah, Agha Hassan Moosvi Badgami, Yasim Malik and other Kashmiri leaders.

Barrister Sultan Mehmood along with Yasin Malik visited graves of the martyrs and offered Fateha. Thousands of Kashmiris including Abdul Ghani Lone, Ashfaq Wani have been laid to rest in Srinagar graveyard.

He also offered prayers at shrine of Hazrat-Bal where a large number of Kashmiris, showered petals.

Barrister Sultan Mehmood addressed a public rally at historic Lal Chowk in Srinagar which is symbol for the liberation movement.

He also visited Dal Lake and historical places including Lal Chowk, Allama Iqbal Park, Mahraja Hari Singh Palace and Bakhsi Stadium.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011

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