Pak ready to show flexibility on J&K: Aziz

Pakistan is ready to show 'courage and flexibility' in its efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue in a sincere, purposeful and constructive manner, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Friday.

"Pakistan has entered into a dialogue process with India with a firm commitment and a sincere hope that it will result in a just and lasting solution of this dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people," Aziz said, addressing a conference on Kashmir in Islamabad.

He said durable peace in the region could only be ensured if the Kashmir issue is resolved peacefully in accordance with the aspirations and wishes of the Kashmiris.

The Pakistan prime minister said the peace process will have roadblocks as there are different views about resolving it.

"We recognise the process will have its ups and downs, there will also be attempts to derail the process as there are different views on all sides," APP quoted him as saying.

"However we must all remain steadfast and committed to our objectives of sustainable peace in South Asia," he said, adding that the ongoing peace process has generated goodwill and raised the level of expectation of the people from all quarters.

Addressing the inaugural session of the a two-day conference on 'Kashmir and Models of Resolution,' he said there will be no compromise on the Kashmir issue and no solution will be accepted against the aspirations of Kashmiris.

The prime minister said President Pervez Musharraf has shown tremendous courage to resolve the issue and presented proposals with a hope to find lasting solution to it.

Referring to the proposals presented by Musharraf, including demilitarisation, self-rule and joint management, the prime minister urged Indian leadership to respond to these proposals positively.

Aziz said peace could only be ensured by giving the rights to the Kashmiris and it could also promote peace, progress and prosperity.

"Kashmiris and Pakistanis are united and supported each other," he said.

Aziz while referring to commitment of Pakistan to the peace process said, "We must seize the moment and create a bright future for our coming generations. This provides us with an historic opportunity to transition from conflict management to conflict resolution by settling the six decades old Jammu and Kashmir dispute."

He said Kashmiris should be involved in the peace process. Pakistan has involved them in the dialogue process and called upon the Indian leadership to follow suit.

Aziz said the solution of the Kashmir issue will promote progress and prosperity in the region as both the countries will be able to utilise their resources for the welfare of the people.