Describing the Kashmir issue as a 'tragic dispute,' President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday said his four-point proposals could provide a 'durable solution,' reflecting the aspirations of Kashmiris.
He also said that the recent visit to Islamabad a Hurriyat delegation led by leader of the moderate faction Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, was part of the process to associate Kashmiri representatives in finding a 'just and honourable' solution to the problem.
"My four point proposal on Kashmir is also aimed at breaking the decades-old deadlock and given sincerity and goodwill, could provide a durable solution that genuinely reflects the aspirations of all Kashmiris," Musharraf said in a special message issued ahead of the Kashmir Day to be observed by Pakistan on February 5.
"Pakistan and India have embarked upon a sustained dialogue process on Kashmir and I want to reassure all Kashmiris that ultimately, it is their wishes that would guide us as we pursue a just and honourable settlement of this tragic dispute," he said.
"We owe it to our future generations to find an amicable and honourable settlement so that peace and tranquility can finally prevail in the region," he said.
Musharraf's proposals included demilitarisation, self rule and joint management of Kashmir.
"The Kashmir-related confidence building measures are an attempt to bring some relief in the day to day lives of the people of both sides of the divided territory," Musharraf said, adding, "The recent visit of leadership of All Party Hurriyat Conference to Pakistan is part of this process and in line with our endeavour to associate Kashmiri representatives with the dialogue process."
Stating that more than 80,000 Kashmiris have lost their lives in 'upholding the ideals of freedom and liberty,' he said, Pakistanis and Kashimris pay tribute to their "sacrifices."
"Today, we pledge to spare no efforts in our quest to win back to Kashmir its lost glory and make it citadel of peace and harmony," he said.
Pakistan every year observes February 5 as Kashmir Day during which it declares a public holiday and special functions and rallies will be organised to mark the occasion. Information Minister Muhmmad Ali Durrani said sirens will be sounded to observe a one-minute countrywide silence at 1000 hrs on Feb 5. The government also plans to organise Kashmir Convention in Islamabad and hold a Kashmir Cultural Festival.
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