Indo-Pak Relations During the Musharraf Regime : An Analysis of News Treatment of The Kashmir Issue

Maharaja Hari Singh was the ruler of the state at the time of division of the sub-continent. This Hindus ruler was not in favor of merger of the state with Pakistan. In fact Maharaja wanted state's merger with India contrary to the ground realities favoring state's accession to Pakistan. Pakistan's stance is that Kashmir is a disputed territory which has been captured by India since 1947 by force. Kashmiris are required to be given their right of self determination in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. Any third option for Kashmiris is not acceptable to Pakistani as it is considered a brain child of India which is purposed only to divert the world attention. Pakistan admits the fact that the Kashmiris are an important party of this conflict, Therefore, their presence in each and every round of the dialogues on this issue is necessary. However, Pakistan's stance is that the Kashmiris should decide their future under UNO held plebiscite, to join Pakistan or India. Pakistan state policy is that the Kashmir issue should be solved keeping in view aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in accordance with UN resolutions.