Pakistan to support Kashmiri struggle

ISLAMABAD: Rallies were held across Pakistan Sunday in support of the "right to self-determination" for the people of Kashmir, the disputed Himalayan state divided between India and Pakistan.

The government, political parties and Islamic groups separately marked an annual day of solidarity with Kashmiris, with President Pervez Musharraf saying Pakistan will continue to support Kashmiris right to determine their future."I would like to assure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that we are with them at every step of the way in their valiant struggle for self-determination," he said.

Musharraf said Pakistan was engaged in a "purposeful dialogue" with India to resolve all disputes including Jammu and Kashmir.

"Pakistan is prepared to show flexibility provided there is reciprocity from the other side."

Later Musharraf told a rally in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, that Pakistan would never forget the Himalayan region, which he said "runs in my blood".

Musharraf said he had made proposals to India, including demilitarisation and self-governance in Kashmir, as a way forward towards finding a solution.

If India did not respond to the bilateral initiatives, Pakistan would seek international help, he said. - Islamabad, Monday (AFP)