ISLAMABAD, April 25: President Gen Pervez Musharraf reiterated the country’s position about Kashmir during the 58th formation commanders’ conference at the General Headquarters on Monday and said the key to Pakistan-India relations was the resolution of the dispute, for which confidence-building measures and dispute resolution would have to move in tandem.

The president dwelt at length on the prevailing environment encompassing international, regional and national issues with particular reference to their impact on Pakistan, which offered both challenges and opportunities.

He said that with an important geo-strategic location, Pakistan was playing and would continue to play its rightful role and contribute positively towards peace and harmony in the region.

He said that with pragmatic policies and careful utilization of its potential, the country could play a significant role and become an important economic hub.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar, Industrial Production Minister Jehangir Tareen and State Bank Governor Dr Ishrat Hussain also addressed the conference.

The president briefed the participants on his recent visit to India and other countries, particularly on the peace process with India.

He said the era of conflict management was over and there was need to take up conflict resolution with sincerity.

Talking about internal security, the president mentioned the work done by the army, intelligence agencies and other government departments in combating terrorism and successes achieved in this regard in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and other parts of the country.

Appreciating the efforts of the security forces and political elements in bringing peace in Sui and Dera Bugti, the president expressed the hope that development work in Balochistan, which was for the good of the people of the province and the country at large, would go on uninterrupted.

He said no-one would be allowed to harm national assets.

The president appreciated the high state of operational preparedness and training efficiency and an all-time vigilance of the army. He praised the achievements of the armed forces over the past year and the hard work and efforts put in by all ranks. He mentioned the holding of the Pakistan Day parade after a gap of three years, the Ideas-2004 exhibition and the rescue work carried out after the tsunami in other countries and floods and unprecedented snowfall in Balochistan, the NWFP, the Northern Areas and other parts of the country. He commended the extensive work done by the army engineers for the rehabilitation of the Sukkur Barrage and the Left Bank Outfall Drain.

The prime minister joined the conference in the second session.

The SBP governor briefed the conference on the state of economy and future prospects, including poverty alleviation and job creation. The commerce minister spoke on the commerce and trade policies and the industrial production minister dwelt on the industrial and agricultural strategy.

Prime Minister Aziz spoke on the main pillars of statecraft, including economy, national security, political stability, good governance and diplomacy.

All the speakers underscored the importance of continuation of reforms beyond 2007 for sustained national growth.

Later, President Musharraf hosted a dinner for the top army brass at Aiwan-i-Sadar, which was followed by a musical evening.

On Tuesday, the meeting will focus on matters of professional importance.

From April 27 to 29, the Selection Board 2005 will consider promotions of lieutenant-colonels to the posts of colonel and brigadier.