ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan looks forward to opening a new chapter in its bilateral relations with India based upon mutual trust and cooperation.
"This would entail a fresh and constructive approach towards resolving all our outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute," the foreign office spokesperson quoted Sartaj Aziz who had addressed an OIC contact group on Kashmir held in Jeddah.
"It is important to remind ourselves, that despite decades of suffering and suppression by India, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have not given up their hope or struggle. The draconian laws put in place by the Indian government have not been able to extinguish the flame of self-determination in the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Aziz told the meeting.
On the status of elections held in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Aziz said as in the past, once again, India conducted elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, in its efforts to convince the international community that the Kashmiris are participating in the political process.
"However, the fact that the voter turnout was a mere 15 per cent in the valley is conveniently sidelined by the Indian media. An overwhelming majority of the Kashmiris in effect, rejected these elections and Pakistan maintains that elections are no substitute for a free and impartial plebiscite held under the UN auspices," Aziz said.
He called upon on the international community to come forward to redeem its promise to the people of Kashmir.
"Pakistan is committed to finding a just and peaceful resolution to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. We will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Kashmir," Aziz said.
"Pakistan, therefore, stands ready to discuss all issues between our two counties, in a spirit of cooperation and sincerity, including the issues of Jammu and Kashmir," Aziz concluded.