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Clinton's S. Asia tour not useful sans visit to Pakistan: Attiya

LAHORE: President Bill Clinton's visit to South Asia will not be useful in terms of promotion of peace and stability in the region if he declines to visit Pakistan Dr Attiya Inayatullah, Member, National Security Council said on Tuesday.

She was talking to a group of reporters here at Iqbal Stadium after the prize distribution ceremony of an inter district schools sports competition arranged by the Government High and Higher Secondary Schools Head Mistress Association of Lahore.

Dr Attiya said at different fora President Clinton has acknowledged that Kashmir is a disputed territory, adding that Clinton's decision to leave out Pakistan during his forthcoming visit will not help precipitate this concern into useful results for the region.

Dr Attiya said the Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf has reiterated that the government as well as people of Pakistan want peace and stability in the region. However, the nation is highly disturbed over the gross human rights violations in Indian held Kashmir.

Dr Attiya said the Indian government led by Hindu fundamentalists is constantly provoking Pakistan not only verbally but through their actions as well adding that this had endangered the fragile balance of peace in the region. She also criticised the Indian government for insinuating a race for nuclear arms in the region.

She said the Chief Executive of Pakistan has stressed that there is no dispute with India other than Kashmir issue and this needs urgent resolution for the socio-economic development and peace of this gifted region.

Responding to a question pertaining transference of power, Dr Attiya said the Chief Executive believes in 'people's democracy adding, that he doesn't believe in handing over power to any 'force'. She said, General Musharraf maintains that the people themselves are the rightful custodians of democracy in the country.

She said this indicates the democratic frame of mind of General Musharraf who plans to hold local bodies elections and later the elections for provincial and national assemblies.

Responding to a question about various steps to improve the plight of downtrodden women in the country she said a number of decisions are being taken in unison by the informal Consultative Group of seven women ministers of the country.

"Our steps will not disappoint you once we come at the implementation stage," added the minister. APP