Question: On June 1 and today, the concluding day of a conference in Islamabad, Pakistan on Kashmir, they are discussing the global dimensions of the Kashmir problem and India’s so-called suppression in Kashmir. What is the reaction of the Government of India? The President of Pakistan has also commented, just yesterday addressing the joint session he clearly has attacked India and said that India is creating problems in the talks process while Pakistan is ready for the comprehensive bilateral dialogue.

Official Spokesperson: Insofar as the first part of your question is concerned, we completely reject the insinuations by vested interests against India which has rightful sovereignty over the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir. We also stress that there are no global dimensions of the Kashmir issue except in the minds of those who seek to needlessly internationalise a bilateral matter. Pakistan needs to vacate its illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir and address the suffering caused to millions in those parts.

Insofar as the second part of your question is concerned regarding the statement made by the President of Pakistan, I would say that Kashmir is not the main cause of tension. The main cause for the lack of peace and continued instability in our region is externally sponsored terrorism and Pakistan’s repeated interference in the internal affairs of India.