ISLAMABAD, April 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Pakistani Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said the upcoming bus service between Pakistan and India-controlled Kashmir, although not a solution of Kashmir dispute, will help open new avenues in this direction.

    "In the context of ongoing international environment, one can hope the Indians would come with a positive approach on Kashmir," the minister Monday quoted by the official Associated Press of Pakistan as saying.

    "It will not be possible for India to remain stick to its stance of calling Kashmir as an 'integral part' in a situation wherein Pakistan is moving ahead with open heart," he said.

    The historic bus service between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar, the respective headquarters of Pakistan and India-controlled Kashmir, will be launched on Thursday.

    Sheikh Rashid said there are two issues between India and Pakistan, namely Kashmir and the water distribution. If the issues are resolved, the two countries can live in peace with each other and process of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) can effectively move ahead.

    There will remain no ground for anyone to use force once the issue of Kashmir is resolved in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people, he said.

    The minister said the atmosphere is conducive for India and Pakistan to get their long-standing disputes resolved, adding Pakistan is sincerely playing its role.

    The international community is fully backing the peace process between the two countries and it will be unfortunate if the opportunity is lost, he said. Enditem