'Freedom struggle will end the day Kashmir issue is resolved'

28 Jan, 2004

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Tuesday said that the day Kashmir issue is resolved the indigenous struggle of Kashmiris will come to an end.
"If they (Kashmiris) think that the Kashmir problem is resolved then there will be no more resistance from them," he said in an interview to Danish Radio and Television.
The minister, reiterating Pakistan's firm stand on the Kashmir issue, said: "We are waiting for restoration of good relations with India, but not at the cost of Kashmir."
When his comments were sought on proposal for accepting Line of Control as permanent border, he said, if this had to be accepted then why a large number of Kashmiris laid their lives for the cause.
"Why the UN had adopted resolutions if this was acceptable," he asked.
Answering a question regarding the nuclear proliferation, the minister said that a few individuals were reported to be involved in it for their petty financial gains. Those found guilty will be taken to task accordingly, he said.
Answering another question, he categorically rejected the impression that nuclear weapons could be taken away by any extremist group like al Qaeda.
He pointed out that the proliferation allegation is being probed but this does not pertain to any recent happening.
The proliferation allegation concerns the past when al Qaeda or any such terrorist organisation did not exist.
"The first time we heard about al Qaeda was after the 9/11 incident," he said.
The minister, reiterating government's commitment to the non-proliferation, said, "Pakistan is a responsible state carrying out its international commitments to non-proliferation and fight against terrorism".

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