'Stable Pakistan will benefit Kashmir'

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1064&Itemid=29

Baba Umar

Srinagar Feb 18: As Pakistan went to polls on Monday, separatist and mainstream politicians kept their fingers crossed. However, most of the leaders believed that stable Pakistan would benefit Kashmir.

“Pakistan has always supported Kashmir cause, no matter who comes into power and I hope the outcome of this election would carve out a better future for all the inhabitants of subcontinent,” said senior Hurriyat (M) leader Shabir Ahmad Shah.

Shah said that Pakistan will continue to support the Kashmir cause irrespective of who comes into power there.

“We would like to see a better and healthy Pakistan as that will have direct impact on Kashmir issue too,” said another Hurriyat (M) leader Nayeem Khan. He said it is difficult to predict the outcome of the Pakistan elections, but it won’t hamper Pakistan’s support to Kashmir.

“Pakistan is not unstable. India and the US too have internal disputes. I hope the outcome of the general elections in Pakistan would be acceptable to the people of Pakistan and all the parties involved in the elections,” said Abdul Gani Bhat, former Hurriyat (M) chairman. He hoped that after new government is formed in Pakistan the stalled Indo-Pak peace process would restart again.

Acting chairman of Hurriyat (G) Ghulam Nabi Sumji said that the polls in Pakistan would end the rule of President Musharaff who, according to him, is responsible for the mess in Pakistan as well as in Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, wished luck to Pakistani people. “I am monitoring the polls and I wish them (Pakistani people) best of luck.” He said he cannot predict the results of the election but he wishes to see a developed and happy Pakistan.

Social welfare minister and senior Congress leader Abdul Gani Vakil said, “We are happy to see free and fair elections in Pakistan. People here want immediate end to their internal disputes.” He said a strong Pakistan will guarantee a permanent peace in the region.

Mehboob Beigh, senior National Conference (NC) leader and party vice president said Pakistan is an important party of the Kashmir dispute and a democratic Pakistan would stimulate the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan. “I am excited to know the results of the polls as it would help accelerate the peace talks between the two countries.”