Pak Jamiat chief espouses Simla Accord

NEW DELHI: In an interesting development, Pakistan''s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Fazal-ur Rehman said on Thursday that Simla Agreement should be the guiding principle between India and Pakistan in resolving the Kashmir issue.
"Both the countries have signed this agreement to resolve all their disputes bilaterally," Rehman told reporters on arrival here from Darul Uloom university in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh.
"Kashmir is a big issue and the two countries should hold dialogue for its resolution immediately," Rahman said. He added he was in India as part of efforts of religious parties in the two countries to facilitate an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood.
During his stay, Rahman said he would meet various sections of people, including religious, political and government to contribute for goodwill between the two nations.
"The people of the two countries have to force their respective governments to the negotiation table," the Pakistani religious leader said.