Regional peace linked to resolution of Kashmir issue: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said today that regional peace and progress was directly linked to the resolution of all outstanding matters, including the "core issue" of Jammu and Kashmir.

This was stated at the first National Security Committee (NSC) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during which the internal and external security situation along with the foreign policy imperatives in the regional and global context were reviewed.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal and other ministers and advisors were present at the meeting held here.


The three military chiefs, Inter-Services Intelligence Director-General (DG), the DGMO and DG Intelligence Bureau also attended the high-level session.

National Security Committee (NSC) reiterated that regional peace and progress is directly linked to resolution of all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

The Committee expressed "grave concern over frequent incidents of cross-border firing" by Indian forces along the Line of Control.

The meeting also "condemned the grave violations of human rights" in Kashmir.

The National Security Committee reaffirmed its continued commitment to pursue peace and stability in Afghanistan through an the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.

The meeting decided to work at all levels with the people and the Afghanistan government for the removal of all "irritants" in the neighbouring country responsible for terrorist incidents in Pakistan.

The Committee expressed satisfaction over the gains of anti-terrorism operations particularly the 'Radd-ul-Fasaad and Khyber-IV' and decded to continue with these operations till the elimination of terrorist elements.

The NSC meeting lasted for more than four hours, according to officials.