Pakistan rakes up Kashmir issue at NAM summit

Pakistan used the Non-Aligned Movement forum on Wednesday, to rake up the Kashmir issue, linking its resolution to "durable peace" in South Asia, even as it cited some "forward movement" in its ties with India. "We believe durable peace in South Asia is achievable. It will be facilitated by the resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir,"

Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said in his address at the summit of 118 NAM countries in this Red Sea resort. Noting that there "has recently been some forward movement" in Indo-Pak relations, he said "We hope to sustain this momentum and move towards comprehensive engagement.The peace dividend for the 1.5 billion people in the region would be enormous," the Pakistani leader said.

"The advancement of Pakistan's economic development goals is possible only in an environment of regional peace and stability. We are, therefore, steadfastly pursuing friendly and cooperative relations with our neighbours on the basis of equality, mutual interest, and mutual benefit," he said. Gilani also said that peace and stability is Afghanistan is in Pakistan's vital interest. On the offensive against Taliban, Gilani said Pakistan is "engaged in a resolute national effort to eliminate terrorism" but maintained that "military means alone will not suffice". He pitched for a multi-dimensional strategy, particularly which addresses the "root causes". Sustainable success would come from "resolving the long-standing political disputes and promoting socio-economic development," he said.