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Published 27 Aug, 2006 12:00am

Support for Kashmiris to continue: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD, Aug 26: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Saturday Pakistan would continue to extend diplomatic, political and moral support to Kashmiris for settlement of the longstanding dispute in accordance with their aspirations.

Talking to the newly elected AJK President Raja Zulqarnain, who called on him at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, Gen Musharraf reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the cause of Kashmir.

He said Pakistan was committed to the peace process with India, adding that his proposal of demilitarisation and self-governance manifested this desire.

He congratulated the AJK president on his election and expressed the confidence that during his term in office he would strive for socio-economic development of the Kashmiri people.

Mr Zulqarnain appreciated efforts of President Musharraf for highlighting the Kashmir issue.

Later, talking to reporters, the AJK president condemned the Indian army for unprovoked and indiscriminate firing on the civilian population near this side of the Line of Control and termed it a violation of human values and ethics.

He said there were certain elements in India who did not want the peace process to succeed.

The AJK president criticised the Indian government for involving Pakistan in Mumbai train bombing and said some extremist Indian organisations had claimed responsibility for the heinous crime.

He regretted that India had used the Mumbai blasts as a pretext to halt the peace process.

He rejected a claim by Indian Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahmad that Kashmir was an integral part of India.

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