Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar says resolution of all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, is vital for the development and progress of South Asia.

Responding to a question during his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Friday, he said the Jammu and Kashmir issue is a major impediment in the way of normalization and friendly relations between Pakistan and India as well as for the development of the people of this region.

The Spokesperson said Pakistan has consistently been advocating the need for addressing the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. He said Pakistan genuinely believes that the resolution of this longstanding issue is in the best interest of both the countries and the people of Kashmir.   He said there is a growing understanding and support from the international community, including the UN Secretary General, toward addressing this dispute. He said the international community is accepting an understanding of Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir and we will continue to pursue this.

Replying to another question, Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan does not want to be a part of any bloc politics in the world. He said we want to have broad-based, objective, balanced and mutually beneficial relationships with all major powers, including the United States and China.

Source: Radio Pakistan