Resolve conflict to promote peace, prosperity: Mush

Islamabad, Mar 27: Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has called for conflict resolution to promote durable peace in South Asia and realise the true economic potential of the region.

Adressing the 3rd Asia and India Regions Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference here yesterday the President said he was endeavouring to resolve conflicts in the region as South Asia had tremendous potential for progress, development and cooperation for the socio-economic upliftment of its people.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who met pro-independence Kashmiri leader Taseen Malik here yesterday, said the settlement of the Kashmir issue in line with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, has the potential to change the destiny of over one billion people of the region.

The 'Dawn' newspaper quoted him as saying Pakistan valued the sacrifices rendered by Kashmiri people to attain their inalienable right to self-determination and it would continue to extend moral and political support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their ''just struggle''.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan was committed to the composite dialogue process and always held the position that Kashmiris were the main stakeholders to the issue and they need to be involved in the ongoing peace process.

''A durable settlement of the Kashmir issue was in the interest of all three parties, India, Kashmiris and Pakistan,'' he said.

He said Pakistan was hopeful that these efforts would positively contribute towards evolving a just and durable settlement in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

UNI