March 29, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 20, 1429

ISLAMABAD, March 28: Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of Occupied Kashmir’s People’s Democratic Party and member of the Indian parliament, said on Friday that stability in Pakistani politics had rejuvenated hopes for a settlement of the Kashmir issue.

“I am confident the new government in Pakistan would carry forward the peace process with a fresh resolve to end decades-old hostilities, violence and economic deprivation in the region,” Ms Mufti said at a joint news conference with Pakistan People’s Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari after a meeting with him at the Zardari House.

The visiting Kashmiri leader had called on Mr Zardari to offer condolences over the death of Benazir Bhutto.

She said the two governments must look forward to finding a solution of the Kashmir issue without getting bogged down in bitter memories of the past.

The developments of the last five years have to serve as a guide towards achieving that goal, Ms Mufti said.—PPI