Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz told Bharatiya Janata Party president and leader of opposition L K Advani that advancement in overall ties between the two countries has to move in tandem with progress on the Kashmir issue.
"India wants to solve all problems, including Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister told me that all these issues have to be sorted out and resolved in tandem and I agree with that," Advani, who arrived here last night on a week-long visit, told reporters after a 40-minute meeting with Aziz.
He said his visit was aimed at strengthening the current peace process and emphasising that there was broad consensus across parties in India with regard to establishing peace and normalcy between the two countries which could lead to progress and welfare of both the peoples.
Aziz said he held comprehensive discussions with Advani and conveyed Pakistan's point of view that progress in overall ties has to move in tandem with progress on Kashmir issue.
"We have to move on all fronts concurrently," he said, adding increased commercial ties between the two countries
would depend on "how we move on Kashmir."
Asked whether the Hurriyat is a true representative of Kashmiris and if they would be allowed to come to Islamabad through PoK on June 2, Aziz said "we think Hurriyat represents the people of Kashmir.
"We look forward to their visit and I personally, the Government and the President are looking forward to meet
them... this will help in better understanding and make progress on the Kashmir issue."
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