Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan's new President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said that he would have “some good news” on the Kashmir issue before India holds its next Lok Sabha elections.
The 55-year-old Zardari, once known as “Mr 10 per cent”, was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Abdul Hamid Dogar at a ceremony at the presidential palace here.
Addressing his maiden press conference soon after taking oath, and flanked by his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai, Zardari hinted at holding of a caucus on the Kashmir issue soon to seek a resolution of the lingering dispute over which the two countries have fought two full fledged wars and a Kargil military conflict in 1999.
Zardari said that the Pakistan government had taken all political forces into confidence over the issue of Kashmir and the nation "will soon hear some good news".
He said he had a discussion with leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on the issue and hoped to take the process ahead at a faster pace.
“We intend to take it (Kashmir issue) to the Parliament's Committee on Kashmir and we want to make progress before the Congress government (in New Delhi) goes in for the (next Lok Sabha) elections, we hope to give good news to the nation soon,” he said pointing at the back-channel dialogue with India to resolve the issue.
Zardari also said that he would work together with all neighbouring countries.
"We shall stand with each other, we shall not stand in each other's way,” the new Pakistan President said.
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