Lahore: Pakistan has said that "back channel
diplomacy" is being conducted with India to resolve the
Kashmir issue.
"Back channel diplomacy with India is underway to resolve
the Kashmir issue. However, we are stressing India should hold
tripartite talks (with Pakistan and the Kashmiris). The
Kashmiris must be involved in parleys for a peaceful solution
to the conflict," Pakistan`s Kashmir Affairs Minister Manzoor
Ahmed Wattoo said.
Wattoo did not give details of the back channel contacts.
Recent media reports in Pakistan have suggested that
former Foreign Secretary Riaz Khan has been holding talks with
ex-Indian envoy S K Lambah as part of the back channel
contacts.
At the same time, Wattoo said that the Kashmir issue
should be resolved under existing UN resolutions.
Alleging that "human rights violations are on the rise"
in Kashmir, he said "the world powers should play their role
in resolving the issue."
PTI
