By APP

Chairman Kashmir Committee Maulana Fazalur Rehman Thursday sought special attention of international stakeholders to help resolve the core issue of Kashmir between India and Pakistan for lasting peace in the region.

Originally published by Dawn

Fazalur Rehman, who in his capacity as Chairman of the Special Committee of the Parliament on Kashmir, reiterated that only a peaceful solution of Kashmir and not use of force can bring about peace and prosperity in the entire region.

The Chairman Kashmir Committee is here along with two  members of the delegation including Dr Atiya Inayatullh MNA (PML-Q) and Ayaz Sadiq MNA (PML-N) to seek the support of EU Parliament members and Nato on Kashmir.

Maulana Fazalur Rehman also held Inter- Parliamentary meetings with the members of committees in the European Parliament on South Asia, Foreign Affairs Committee, International Trade Committee and Sub-Committee on Human Rights.

He demanded the European Parliament to pay heed towards human rights violations in Indian Held Kashmir by Indian forces since 1948 and also urged European Parliament to play mediatory role for resolution of long outstanding issue between India and Pakistan.

The Chairman Kashmir Committee said Pakistan also condemns drone attacks as they have proved counter productive resulting in loss of innocent lives. He said Pakistan has also suffered tremendous economic and human losses due to its involvement in war on terror.

The Chairpersonship of the special inter parliamentary meetings Jean Lambert commended Pakistan’s role as a frontline state and acknowledged Pakistan’s tremendous sacrifices.

The delegation stressed that military operations alone cannot provide a long-term answer to creating a secure and peaceful environment in the region,however a comprehensive strategy was the solution for a successful outcome of the international engagement.

The Ambassador of Pakistan, Jalil Abbas Jilani informed the members about the difficulties currently posed at WTO level by India’s reluctance to agree on EU initiative for trade access for Pakistan to EU following the floods.

Earlier, the delegation held meetings with a number of high ranking Nato officials including the Acting Assistant Secretary General on Public Diplomacy,Dr Stefanie Babst, Assistant Secretary General PASP, Ambassador Dirk Brengelmann and Assistant Secretary General Operations Martin Howard.

A briefing was given on the ongoing Nato operation in Afghanistan. The discussions were devoted to the developments of the situation in Afghanistan and insurgency over border with Pakistan.

Special emphasis was laid on Nato-Pakistan relations; especially close ties and collaboration with Pakistan, as Pakistan was a key partner for stability of the region.

They also reiterated Pakistan’s stance that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan was in the vital interest of Pakistan.

Besides, the delegation had meetings with members of EU-Pakistan Friendship Group under the chairmanship of Sajjad Karim MEP who briefed them about the efforts of the group to strengthen ties with other MEPs to safeguard interests of Pakistan.

He termed Pakistan as an important country for the European Union with reference to trade and security matters.

The delegation also held meetings with the President of the Belgian Chambers of Representatives and called on the President of European Parliament,Jerzy Buzek and exchanged views on national and International issues.

The delegation also visited EU Kashmir Center Brussels, where Barrister A. Majeed Taramboo briefed them about the efforts of the centre to highlight the issue in European Parliament. The delegation also held meetings with the representatives of Pakistan Community living in and around Brussels.