Islamabad, Oct. 9 : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has once again raked up the Kashmir issue, saying Islamabad’s principled stance on the issue will remain unchanged and that it will continue to push for its early settlement.

Talking to media person on the sidelines of a function in Muzaffarabad, Gilani said awarding autonomy to Gilgit Baltistan would not affect the Kashmir issue.

Gilani said it was very important to counter the terror threat as it is maligning Pakistan’s international image.

“To eliminate terrorism from the country we will have to counter the elements that are tarnishing the image of Islam and Pakistan, with the same altruism and selflessness witnessed after the devastating quake of October 2005,” The News quoted Gilani, as saying.

Addressing the political leaders of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in a separate program, Gilani reiterated that Pakistan was not bound accept the ‘stringed’ Kerry Lugar Bill.

“The government would not take any steps which would the country’s interests, sovereignty, dignity and honour,” Gilano said, adding, “This was why the bill has been sent to parliament for its opinion.”

“This (bill) is not an agreement. It is up to us, whether we accept it or not. We have to loot at our requirements and the conditionalities of the bill and if these match with each other,” he said. (ANI)