Steps should be taken to rein in Afghan Taleban before the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in order to stem their advance toward Kashmir, said Azad Kashmir’s former Prime Minister Sardar Atiq yesterday.

Speaking to Arab News during his visit to the Kingdom, he said: “If they manage to reach Kashmir, there will be chaos and violence. The Pakistani government should take measures to prevent Taleban from getting stronger.” He added: “Taleban are a potential threat to Kashmir.”

About the Kashmir dispute with India, Atiq said the issue needed a third-party mediation. He cited Khem Karn and the Sindh Tas issues that, according to him, were resolved due to a third-party mediation including the World Bank.

The Kashmir issue can also be resolved through third-party mediation, Atiq said. He said he failed to understand why India was against such an initiative.

Atiq expressed fears that the water dispute between India and Pakistan could lead to war and that the two countries might go beyond conventional weapons to defend themselves.