Gilani for ending Indo-Pak "distrust"

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today sought an end to the "long legacy of hostility and distrust" between India and Pakistan so that the two countries could work towards the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

"There is an imperative need to end the long legacy of hostility and distrust and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Gilani was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his media office.

Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue through negotiations and dialogue despite the country's own regional challenges, he said during a meeting with "president" Raja Zulqarnain Khan and "prime minister" Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Gilani "reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to support the just cause of the people of Kashmir."

He said the "whole nation is united on the Kashmir issue and stands with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the realisation of their fundamental and inalienable rights."

The leaders also reviewed development activities in PoK and Gilani said the effective monitoring of ongoing projects will ensure their timely completion.

He said funds allocated for these projects will be released in time and should be used with efficiency so that maximum relief is provided to the people.

Khan and Haider thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan's un-wavering support to the cause of Kashmir.

Gilani also chaired a meeting to review the performance of Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority, which is working in areas affected by the 2005 quake.

He called for improving coordination among all stakeholders to ensure that reconstruction in quake-affected areas in PoK and Khyber-Pakhtoonkhawa does not slow down.