Tuesday, May 31 2005 14:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today (May 31, 2005) told visiting leader of the Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president L K Advani that advancement in overall ties between the two countries has to move in tandem with progress on the Kashmir issue.

"India wants to solve all problems, including Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister told me that all these issues have to be sorted out and resolved in tandem and I agree with that," Advani, who arrived in Islamabad last night (May 30, 2005) on a weeklong visit, told reporters after a 40-minute meeting with Aziz.

He said that his visit was aimed at strengthening the current peace process and emphasising that there was broad consensus cutting across party lines in India with regard to establishing peace and normalcy between the two countries, which could lead to progress and welfare of both the peoples.

Aziz said that he held comprehensive discussions with Advani and conveyed Pakistan's point of view that progress in overall ties has to move in tandem with progress on Kashmir issue.

"We have to move on all fronts concurrently," he said, adding increased commercial ties between the two countries would depend on "how we move on Kashmir".

Asked whether the Hurriyat is a true representative of Kashmiris and if they would be allowed to come to Islamabad through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on June 2, Aziz said, "We think Hurriyat represents the people of Kashmir.

"We look forward to their visit and I personally, the Government and the President are looking forward to meet them, this will help in better understanding and make progress on the Kashmir issue."

Asked about hard line Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani declining Pakistan's invitation to visit Pakistan, Aziz said, "We hold Geelani in high esteem. He is unwell. Whenever he wants to come, he is welcome."

To a question on Geelani's criticism of Pakistan's leadership, he said, "Everyone has a view on Kashmir. We need to address the wishes of people of Pakistan, India and people of Kashmir. The solution of Kashmir has to be in line with the aspirations of people of Kashmir."

Replying to another question on why Pakistan chose to roll out a red carpet for Advani, who was perceived to be hardliner and responsible for the failure of Agra summit, he said, "We should learn to look ahead. We conveyed our thinking to him, which he understood. Most people in South Asia realise sustainable peace is possible only when the Jammu and Kashmir issue is settled," he said.

Acknowledging that India-Pak ties took a new and positive turn during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government, Aziz said the energy corridor, which would create linkages and inter-dependencies and how sports helped to build bridges also figured in the discussions with Advani, who was accompanied by his wife Kamla and daughter Pratibha.

During the talks, Aziz also struck a personal note with Advani by reminding him that they studied in the St Patrick's High School in Karachi, where President Pervez Musharraf had also studied.

The BJP President said he had "interesting" discussions with Aziz and expressed confidence that his visit would "reinforce" the peace initiatives and movement towards normalcy.

He said besides Jammu and Kashmir, trade, media, communications and energy figured in the discussions.

Advani said the peace process has the support of his and other parties in the Opposition. "Even though we are not in the government, the process that is on has our support."

About Pakistan's insistence for a timeframe (for resolution of the Kashmir issue), Advani said, "If I were in the Government I may have been able to comment. But I know my limitations."