Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on August 14 said that the war-like situation with India is turning into a process of peace but the objective can't be realised until the Kashmir issue is settled.

Addressing a flag hoisting ceremony in front of Parliament on the occasion of the Pakistan's independence day, Jamali said that relations with India were transforming from a "war-like state into a climate of peace".

Declaring that Pakistan was all for friendly and cordial ties with India, he, however, said the objective can't be realised till Kashmiris are granted their right of self-determination.

"If India wants to see South Asia region free from tension, it will have to resolve the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Jamali said war was not a solution to the problems and the two countries have to make a start to resolve their outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

He said Pakistan believes in peace and was against terrorists but cautioned that "our resolve for peace should not be taken as weakness".

The Pakistan Prime Minister also said that there was a need to strengthen South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) if peace has to be established in South Asia.

On Pakistan's relations with other countries, he said our foreign policy reflects the best interests of the country as it has a close relationship with Islamic countries, exemplary relations with China and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States.

PTI