'Pak committed to peace process'

Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries through dialogue, Musharraf tells Pranab Mukherjee.

Pakistan is committed to the peace process with India and wants to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries, including Kashmir, through dialogue, President Pervez Musharraf said today.

HT Image

Affirming Pakistan's seriousness about and commitment to the dialogue process, Musharraf told visiting External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee that the wishes of the Kashmiri people cannot be ignored while seeking a solution to the Kashmir issue.

Mukherjee, in Islamabad to review the composite dialogue process that was initiated in 2004, called on Musharraf at the Aiwan-e-Sadr or presidency here this morning.

Musharraf was quoted by TV channels as saying that he welcomed the resumption of the composite dialogue and hoped it would lead to "some substantial conclusion".

He said Pakistan is "serious and committed to" the dialogue process and wants to see all outstanding issues between the two countries, including Kashmir, to be resolved.

Mukherjee said India is committed to the dialogue and wants to see "substantial progress on all outstanding issues" so that there can be economic development in the two neighbouring countries.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, the regional security situation and other issues like trade and confidence-building measures.