In a significant development, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari has expressed openness to the idea of the state being given autonomy "pending a final settlement"
In a significant development, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari has expressed openness to the idea of the state being given autonomy "pending a final settlement", while contending that the Kashmir issue should not hamper improvement of ties with India in other fields. He proposed setting up a commission between the two countries and "leaders of Kashmir" to work out "what should be done in foreign and defense affairs". Zardari said the PPP believed that Indo-Pak relations could and should be creatively rediscovered as it is "a matter of great satisfaction that today our political opponents as well as the military establishment in Pakistan realize the importance of peace -- for making or breaking nations. We must make viable peace. This (Kashmir) is a solvable problem that must not take further lives," Zardari said. He also added, "Pending a final settlement, we agree with the statement of your Prime Minister supporting an autonomous Kashmir running much of its own affairs. A Commission can be established between the two countries and the leaders of Kashmir themselves to work out what should be done in foreign and defense affairs."
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