Islamabad: Pakistan today (Oct 13, 2004) said it is following a principled policy on all issues, including resolution of the Kashmir problem and expansion of the UN Security Council for which India is seeking a permanent membership.

"Pakistan could not and shall not take any decision that runs against the aspirations of the people of Kashmir," Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said addressing a meeting of the Federal Cabinet.

Aziz emphasised that Pakistan was following a principled policy on all issues including Kashmir and the expansion of the UN Security Council. Pakistan is opposed to the expansion of the Council in the permanent members' category.

He said that like every other nation, Pakistan shall pursue its national interests with commitment and vigour, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.

The Cabinet also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace through durable solution of all issues affecting Indo-Pak relations, including the core issue of Kashmir.

It reiterated that any resolution to the Kashmir issue must reflect the wishes of the people of Kashmir.

Earlier Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri briefed the Cabinet on foreign policy issues involving Pakistan.

Kasuri listed Pakistan's readmission to Commonwealth, entry into ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations), declaration as a major non-NATO ally of the US, special status in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and special relations with the European Union as major milestones of Pakistan's foreign policy during the last two years.

He said successful holding of the SAARC summit in January this year was yet another achievement.