Patron of Kashmir's main opposition political outfit, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Saturday said Nawaz Sharif's coming to power in Pakistan will script a new chapter of peace and normalcy in the Indo-Pak relations.
"Strengthening of democracy in Pakistan is a positive development, which would help accelerate the process of reconciliation to solve all bilateral issues to establish lasting peace in the region," said Mufti in his address in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.
Referring to the meeting of Nawaz Sharif's special envoy with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday, Mufti said, "Kashmir should be the focus of dialogue between two countries because people of Jammu and Kashmir are in the direct line of fire due to the hostility."
The PDP patron asked the two countries that Kashmir should be a priority now. "This issue should be discussed through humanitarian angle. A solution to the Kashmir problem is must for restoring lasting peace in this region," said the former union home minister.
"Instead of sticking to the hackneyed slogans, both the countries should adopt a holistic and purposeful policy to resolve all issues, especially the Kashmir," he added.
The former chief minister also stressed the need to carry forward and expand the process of cross-LoC cooperation and trade in J&K.
"Instead of sticking to the hackneyed slogans, both the countries should adopt a holistic and purposeful policy to resolve all issues, especially the Kashmir," he added.
The former chief minister also stressed the need to carry forward and expand the process of cross-LoC cooperation and trade in J&K.
"Cross-LoC confidence building measures would help in creating new space for reconciliation in the region. Indo-Pak cooperation is the key to resolving the region's problems and Kashmir would have a pivotal role in cementing those relations," he said.
Mufti said the need of the hour is credible banking facilities and proper communication system to harness the full potential of the trans-LoC trade. "Besides simplifying the cross LoC trade procedure, there should be free movement of people to both sides of LoC."The PDP leader said he regretted that the present regime in the state has lost it credibility due to trust deficit.