December 6, 2003	Saturday	Shawwal 11, 1424

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

ISLAMABAD: Dec 5: Pakistan’s top military leadership on Friday supported the peace overtures between Pakistan and India, and expressed satisfaction over the measures taken for resolution of all outstanding disputes with India.

The 88th Corps Commanders meeting, presided over by President General Pervez Musharraf held at GHQ on Friday, discussed the ceasefire on Line of Control, Working Boundary and International Borders, and said the ceasefire was “holding on.”

The meeting also discussed the ongoing fight against terrorism and the militant organizations which had resurfaced under different names.

An official statement by the Directorate of Inter Service Public Relations issued after the day-long meeting of the Corps Commanders and Principal Staff officers, said the meeting discussed in detail the ceasefire along the Line of Control, Working Boundary, and International Borders. They also exchanged views on the geo-strategic environment, and the internal security situation.

The president in his remarks expressed his satisfaction that the peace initiative of Pakistan by announcing unilateral ceasefire on the LoC had been reciprocated by Indian side.

The meeting discussed the ceasefire which became effective on Nov 25, and also reportedly considered the reports of the construction of wall by India along the borders. The Corps Commanders meeting also discussed Pakistan’s decision of opening the air space, and establishing air link with India.

Gen Musharraf reportedly informed the meeting that containing the religious extremism was in the national interests, and the militant organizations were earning bad name to the country. These organizations were not only creating law and order situation in the country, but also facilitating the foreign nationals to come in Pakistan without any visa procedures.

The meeting which was held ahead of final round of government-MMA contacts for the resolution of year-long LFO dispute, did not make any mention of the LFO or president’s decision to continue donning the uniform. An official said that it was not on the agenda.