Musharraf lauds positive movement in Indo-Pak peace dialogue

Islamabad, Apr 16 (UNI) As Pakistan and India carry forward their three-year old peace process, President General Pervez Musharraf today noted a positive movement in resolution of issues especially on Kashmir.

''There is an increase in trade and economic activity and CBMs are progressing as well'', he told senior military commanders in the garrison town of Rawalpindi.

This is the first meeting of the top military commanders since Pakistani and Indian foreign secretaries met in Islamabad on March 13-14 to kick start the fourth round of the composite dialogue process, which resumed in January 2004.

''The President spoke at length on Indo-Pak relations and expressed optimism on conflict resolution between the two countries,'' a statement issued by the ISPR, after the first day of the four-day formation commanders conference, said.

The President, however, reiterated that Pakistan's national interests would not be lost sight of.

''The country is passing through a difficult phase with turmoil in the region, which has a direct as well as indirect impact on Pakistan,'' he noted, adding that because of its important geo-strategic location, Pakistan is and will continue to play its rightful role and contribute positively towards peace and harmony in the region.

Gen Musharraf said that with pragmatic policies and progressive approach to develop its potential, Pakistan can play a significant role and become an important economic trade hub and an energy corridor.

Talking about domestic environment and internal security, he said ''internal threats'' are posing the greatest challenge to integrity of the country.

''Pakistan faces the menace of extremism, obscurantism and religious bigotry,'' he stated.

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