Utilise surging Indo-Pak ties to solve Kashmir: Imran

The surge in the goodwill between India and Pakistan should be utilised to find a solution to the Kashmir issue, Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has said.

Time has come for the leadership of both the countries to solve the Kashmir issue amicably, especially when the people of the two nations are ready for it, he said on Sunday at the fourth anniversary celebrations of the Jaipur edition of the Hindustan Times.

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Kashmir issue is hindering the progress of the subcontinent since resources are being diverted towards armament, Khan said. "Some politicians in Pakistan kept the matter alive since their political survival depended on it," the chairman of the Tehreek-e-Insaf party said.

He favoured an early solution to the issue and said if it is allowed to linger on, extremists on both sides will take advantage, possibly leading to a "hot conflict" between the two nations.

"You must have a roadmap. An early rapprochement between India and Pakistan is a must in the interest of both the countries and their people," he added.

Praising India on the development front, Khan said he envied the country's democratic institution. He hoped that Pakistan, too, will one day have an independent election commission.

Khan also showered praises on India's judicial system, saying "an independent judiciary is a must for democracy to flourish."