Kashmir must be discussed in FS-level talks: Nawaz

Main opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said the Kashmir issue and differences over the sharing of river waters must be discussed during the February 25 talks between foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan.

He said the resolution of the Kashmir issue is imperative for ushering in peace in South Asia. Talking to the media in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's capital Muzaffarabad, the former premier said the 'Kashmir dispute and differences over the sharing of river waters' must be discussed during the talks.

Responding to a question, Sharif said peace in the region hinges on the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan yesterday agreed to India's proposal for foreign secretary-level talks and said Pakistan foreign secretary Salman Bashir will go to New Delhi for the parleys on February 25.

The government decided to press India for the resolution of all 'core issues' through the resumption of the stalled composite dialogue. Sharif also said the Pakistan government's Kashmir policy should be in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people on both sides of the Line of Control.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's high commissioner to India Shahid Malik met President Asif Ali Zardari and briefed him on the upcoming talks and bilateral relations.

Official sources quoted Zardari as saying that the foreign secretary-level talks should be meaningful and result-oriented.