Challenges in South Asia can be addressed through regional cooperation: President

Karachi : President Mamnoon Hussain stated that challenges and threats in South Asia can be addressed through regional cooperation and resolution of longstanding disputes.
He was addressing a seminar ‘Peace in South Asia, organized by Pakistan Institute of International Affairs in Karachi on Wednesday.
The President said Jammu and Kashmir dispute and unresolved issues of Sir Creek and Siachin is major hurdle to peace and stability of South Asia.
He said deteriorating situation in Occupied Kashmir has badly impacted the regional peace as India is trying to suppress the legitimate struggle of Kashmiris for self-determination, dubbing it as terrorism.
He said Kashmiris are fighting for their right of self-determination, which has been pledged to them by UN Security Council.
The President said the US strategy to pamper India as a big regional power could also negatively impact the regional situation.
He said such an attitude could propel an arms race among countries of the region at the cost of socio-economic development.
He stressed that international community should play their role to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.