Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri at a function of "English Speaking Union" here on Sunday assured the nation against any sell-out on Kashmir as well as other key interests.
Calling the accusations by certain political elements against the government of selling out on Kashmir as "unfortunate", he said that Pakistan would take the Kashmiris in confidence all along.
Mentioning President Musharraf's meeting with Kashmiri leaders, he said, "We have taken them into confidence earlier on the core issue."
Briefing further on government stance on Kashmir, the foreign minister recalled President Pervez Musharraf's statement before the Turkish media in his recent visit where he categorically stated that there was no question of unilateral shift in country's position regarding the issue of Kashmir.
Referring to international community belief that durable peace in South Asia was only possible if the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir were addressed, he said: "We are looking forward for the beginning of composite dialogue which would address all issues including Jammu and Kashmir, peace and security, the water issues, the trade, and means of enhancing people to people contacts."
Referring to recent Saarc Summit as historic, Kasuri said that its holding had been duly recognised by the international community.
About 'Foreign Policy of Pakistan', Khurshid said it reflected national aspirations and is responsive to regional and international imperatives. "Maintaining a bipartisan approach in our foreign policy has been a major objective of our foreign policy," he added.
"The world is going through a difficult process of change .The civilian government has been proactive in its policy. While there are elements of continuity in the foreign policy there is also a change of emphasis and nuance," Kasuri said.
The Minister said that while continuing support to the international coalition in war against terrorism, "our reinvigoration of relations with United States and renewed contacts with countries of European Union, strengthening ties with Muslim countries including augmentation of relations with neighbourly countries, support to Hamid Karzai's government in Afghanistan are key features of our foreign policy".
He said that it has been an intense period for country's diplomacy. "With a stable economy and growing exports, we are moving towards a period of greater investment in which four million overseas Pakistanis are expected to make a significant contribution," he added.
Quoting country's constructive role as member of Security Council, he said that it had enhanced Pakistan's stature as a responsible member of international community.
About Pakistan's relations with India, the Foreign Minister said that in the light of ground realities, there has been a growing realisation on both sides that finding a solution to Kashmir problem would require true statesmanship, instead of mere rhetoric.
Averring on relations with Afghanistan, he said that while attaching great importance to Bonn Agreement, Pakistan remained committed to the consolidation and success of transitional administration of Hamid Karzai.
Referring to relations with United States he said that while these being reinvigorated, both countries have inked two important agreements, ie Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and in Science and Technology.
On relations with Iran, Kasuri said that both countries have agreed to enhance political and economic relations.
Pointing towards country's relations with China, the Foreign Minister said that both of them are closely co-ordinating their policies on important global issues including non-proliferation, disarmament and UN reforms.
Referring to the measures in promoting relations with Islamic countries, Khurshid said that Prime Minister Jamali after assumption of office visited Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.
Regarding OIC Summit, he said President Musharraf's idea of enlightened moderation was endorsed in it during 2003.
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