Kashmir an 'unfinished agenda of partition': Pak army chief

Says world leaders must help resolve the issue if they want genuine peace in the region

Pakistan army chief Gen Raheel Sharif has termed Kashmir as an "unfinished agenda of partition" and said the world community must help resolve the longstanding issue if it wants genuine peace in the region.

Addressing the Royal United Services Institute, an independent think-tank on defence and security, in London, Gen Sharif said the dispute between Pakistan and India "resides in the Kashmir issue".

Terming the Kashmir issue an unfinished agenda of partition, he said the world community must come forward to help resolve the longstanding issue if it wants genuine peace in the region, the Dawn reported today.

The army chief claimed that Indian intransigence, violations of the Line of Control and indirect strategy against Pakistan were adversely affecting the region.

Talking about the security situation in Pakistan, he said it was becoming conducive for upward economic trajectory.

He said efforts would continue for peace in the country.

Gen Raheel also talked about Afghanistan and promised to support all efforts for an enduring and permanent peace in the strife-torn neighbouring country.

He also warned against detractors and spoilers of these efforts. "While we continue to support enduring and permanent peace in Afghanistan, let us all beware of detractors and spoilers," he said.