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Pak needs to strengthen democracy: Asma

Pakistan Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Asma Jehangir said there was a need to strengthen the democratic set up in Pakistan to uproot terrorism and have a healthy relations with India, reports Aseem Bassi.

Updated on: Jan 12, 2009 12:33 AM IST
Hindustan Times | By , Amritsar
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Pakistan Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Asma Jehangir said there was a need to strengthen the democratic set up in Pakistan to uproot terrorism and have a healthy relations with India.

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Asma, who was here to address a seminar on ‘Challenges of Terrorism and Role of Religion’ at the S.R. Government College, said: “War is no solution to the present Indo-Pak tension after the Mumbai terror strikes. Democracy in Pakistan is weak and the military influence is still there, which is playing a negative role.”

There is a need for the composite dialogue process to continue as the common people of both the countries want it. Terrorists will be demoralized if people continue exchange programmes, she added.

Having a go at USA, Asma said, “Pakistan is today suffering a lot due to the US and I appeal that India must see that the US is an honest broker before relying on it. This is an Indo-Pak issue and they must tackle it.” Demanding a joint mechanism to fight terrorism, Asma said, “Both the nations must relax visa norms for improvement in relations.”

In fact, all SAARC nations must form a joint investigating agency and have a common court for trial of such militants, he added.

The duo will be in Delhi from January 21 to 24 to talk to NGO’s and common people about Indo-Pak relations.

Noted writer Kuldeep Nayar voicing the same concern said war was not the solution but added that the Pakistani Army played a role in the recent terror attacks.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aseem Bassi

A principal correspondent, Aseem Bassi is the bureau chief at Amritsar. He covers politics, Indo-Pak border, gurdwara politics, crime, border trade and civic issues.

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike LIVE and more across India.
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