ISLAMABAD: Lauding the principled stand taken by Pakistan on national security advisers’ talks with India, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani has said that a strong Pakistan is “pre-requisite” for resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he said the way Pakistan had advocated the rights of the oppressed people of Kashmir had given a renewed strength to the Kashmiris’ passion and spirit of freedom.

He said that the stand had resulted in highlighting the issue of Kashmir across the world and reinforcing the fact that Kashmir was not a territorial dispute between Pakistan and India but an issue of over 13 million people who were genuinely struggling for their birth and basic right and were the most important party in the Kashmir dispute.

Take a look: Hurriyat’s Geelani writes ‘secret’ letter to Sharif

“For this Mr prime minister, we are thankful to you, the Pakistan Army and the whole Pakistani nation,” he said and expressed hope that Pakistan would continue boldly pursuing its strong policy on Kashmir.

Mr Geelani said the case of Kashmiri people was strong and Pakistan’s principled position could lead India to be made accountable before the comity of nations and give up its obstinate policy.

He said the Kashmiris were not oblivious of the internal and external challenges faced by Pakistan, but it was also a fact that besides their own rights they were also fighting for a strong Pakistan.

He recalled that the Quaid-i-Azam had termed Kashmir the “jugular vein” of Pakistan because of its geographic and political importance.

The APHC leader said it would be very dangerous if Kashmir went into the hands of India permanently or Pakistan retreated from its stance.

In this context, the freedom movement was linked to the struggle for defence of Pakistan, he said, adding that the Kashmir movement was equally important for the people of Pakistan and the oppressed Kashmiris.

He prayed for “our struggle for freedom of occupied Kashmir as well as completion and defence of Pakistan”.

Terming a strong Pakistan “pre-requisite” for resolution of Kashmir dispute while keeping in view the aspirations and sacrifices of Kashmiris, said the dream of the region’s freedom could not be fulfilled without achieving this objective.

The Kashmiri leader said it could not be ignored that cordial and durable ties with Afghanistan and Iran were the first step toward making Pakistan strong.—APP

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2015

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