Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Arshed Saud Khosa said on Thursday that the economic and social prosperity in South Asia is not possible until the issue of Kashmir is resolved once and for all.

Addressing a talk program organized at the Pakistani Embassy, Ambassador Khosa said lasting peace in the South Asia that comes after the resolution of Kashmir disputes between India and Pakistan can unleash the possibility of development and prosperity in the entire South Asia.

“Pakistan desires a peaceful environment in the region. The biggest impediment, however, on the path to lasting peace in South Asia is the Kashmir dispute,” the envoy said during the program organized to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Khosa said although Kashmiris were among the first to be promised their right to self determination by the international community through unanimously adopted UN Resolutions, the promise has yet to be fulfilled even after half a century now. “As a consequence, peace has eluded South Asia and it will continue to be evasive, till the international community honors its pledges,” he said.

Khosa said Pakistan would continue to vigorously pursue a peaceful solution, based on the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. “We have no doubt that ultimately, Kashmiris would be the final arbiters of their destiny and no plan would succeed that does not reflect this reality,” the envoy further said while assuring consistent moral and diplomatic support to the cause of Kashmiri people.