Peace in South Asia impossible until resolution of Kashmir issue

Senator lieutenant General (Retired) Abdul Qayyum, who is on a 3-day official visit to Paris for further strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties between two countries, Wednesday urged France to play its fair role in resolving Kashmir issue in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.
He acknowledged that for lasting peace in South Asia, it was utmost important to restore peace in Afghanistan and as well as to resolve Kashmir issue, a press release said.
He asked French parliamentarians to extend their cooperation in health, education, construction, agriculture research, investments in energy and industrial sectors.
Besides those sectors, he also sought help in achieving sustainable development goals and Afghan refugees’ repatriation.
During his ongoing stay, he held meetings with a number of French senators and national assembly’s members including French Minister of State for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean Baptistery, President Pak-France Parliamentary Friendship Group Senator Pascal Alizard and Chairman Senate Select Committee on Foreign affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Senator Christian Cambon besides foreign and defence ministries’ officials.
He also witnessed the proceedings of French Senate where he along his other colleagues was warmly welcomed by giving standing ovation.
The French Senate chairperson saluted Pakistani senators’ delegation, headed by Convener of Pak-France Parliamentary Friendship Group General Abdul Qayyum, and said bicameralism did not only deal with legislative agenda but could also enhance diplomatic relations.
He hoped that inter-parliamentary exchange would further strengthen bilateral bonds and reveal reciprocal opportunities between the two countries.
It is pertinent to mention here that this visit is taking place on invitation of the French government and it is consisted of senators Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar, Baz Muhammad Khan and Muhammad Saleh Shah.

Source: APP