LAHORE - Defence Minister and Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (Patriots) Rao Sikander Iqbal has predicted that the Kashmir issue will be resolved by February or March next year, if not by the end of this year as being pronounced by certain quarters. He was speaking at The Nation Forum here on Saturday. On this occasion, Tehsil Nazim Rao Jameel was also present. Later, Rao Sikander also called on the Editor-in-Chief Daily The Nation Majid Nizami.
Rao Sikander said whatsoever All-Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders, that is, the Kashmiri leaders were doing was with the involvement of the Pakistani government. “We should not be hopeless about the situation as the present run of activities will bear positive results, and Kashmir will be liberated by February or March 2008, if not by December this year,” he added.
He maintained that the credit must be given to Pervez Musharraf for his efforts in maintaining peace in the region. “One-man’s efforts could not do the required as India is not responding positively. If the situation has to be changed, then India must come up with some positives,” he said.
While replying to a question about the much-talked deal between the government and the PPP (Parliamentarians), Rao wished if this could have been really true. “I have a mission to bring Benazir Bhutto and General Pervez Musharraf closer. Both are ideology closest to each other as they are both for enlightened moderation and have tilt towards the United States,” he observed, while hoping that positive outcome could be expected prior to the next general elections. “However, certain elements don’t want this to happen, as when both the General and BB would join hands, it will be ideal time for Pakistan,” he added.
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