New Delhi, Aug 13 (Daily News & Analysis): In a comment that is likely to increase political temperature, Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, on Friday said that his nation will always help the people of Kashmir in their freedom struggle.

"Pakistan has always tried to maintain cordial relations with India,?"Basit said while speaking at the Pakistan High Commission on their Independence Day. "And this point is also very clear that Pakistan will always help and take the side of the Kashmiris till they get their right. This kind of freedom struggle sometimes takes several years or even ages to be completed... Pakistan will always help the Kashmir people, who are fighting for their freedom," he added.

The relationship between India and Pakistan has hit a new low in the recent times. Due to heightened tension in the border, India has decided not to exchange sweets to commemorate Independence Day. Pakistan has also steadfastly refused to acknowledge that Naved, who was caught alive during the Udhampur attack is a citizen of their country.

NSA of two countries are scheduled to meet on August 23 and terror is one of the major issues which will be on the table. In that context, Abdul Basit virtually endorsing interference in the Kashmir issue may put new spanner in the peace talks.