Progress on Kashmir issue important: Aziz

Pak PM said that if the 'long-standing dispute' of Kashmir is solved, then South Asia could be locus of next 'Asian miracle'.

Pakistan has said 'meaningful progress' towards a final settlement of Kashmir issue is "essential for the sustainability and eventual success" of the composite dialogue process between New Delhi and Islamabad.

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"We are convinced that a solution can be found with determination, vision, flexibility and courage. Accordingly, we have made several proposals to India and we await their positive response," visiting Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said while addressing a joint meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations and Asia Society here on Wednesday.

Stressing that the confidence-building measures between the two countries have considerably improved the atmosphere, Aziz said the progress on the substantive issues, especially Kashmir, is yet to be made.

He said progress on Kashmir must be in tandem with progress on all other issues, adding "meaningful progress towards settlement of Jammu and Kashmir is essential for eventual success of the process."

The process, Aziz said, can be "facilitated" by the United States encouraging the parties to resolve the issue of Kashmir in a "just and durable" manner.

If the countries in South Asian region can turn away from tensions and conflicts and resolve the "long-standing dispute" of Kashmir, South Asia can be locus of next "Asian miracle."