Upping its ante on Kashmir, Pakistan today said resolving the long-standing issue was "pivotal" to the regional peace and security as it called on the international community for a "sustainable and lasting solution" to the dispute.
Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry briefed the Ambassadors of the P-5 countries and the Euroepean Union here today ahead of 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' on February 5.
Calling the "struggle for self-determination" in Kashmir as "indigenous", the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that Chaudhry reaffirmed Pakistan's "unflinching political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people".
"He emphasised that resolution of the Kashmir dispute was pivotal for ensuring peace, security and stability in the region," the statement said.
The Foreign Secretary stressed that the resolution of this long-standing dispute must be ensured in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
He also underscored the crucial role of the international community in helping to bring about a "sustainable and lasting solution to this issue", the statement said.
Chaudhry said the elections in the "Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) could not be a substitute to the UN-monitored plebiscite" and also expressed "concern over the Indian attempts to alter the ground situation through demographic changes".
He drew attention to the continuous human rights violations by the Indian forces in "IOK" and the plight of the Kashmiris and expressed the hope that the international community would continue to remain engaged on this vital issue, the statement said.
The Foreign Secretary also stated that while remaining firm on its "just" stance, Pakistan is committed to a meaningful and constructive dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chaudhry also briefed the Ambassadors of P-5 or the five member countries of the United Nations Security Council - United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France - on the recent positive developments in the bilateral relations with Afghanistan.
