ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri on Thursday assured the visiting All Parties Hurriyat Conference delegation, headed by its chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, of Pakistan’s unwavering support to the legitimate Kashmiri aspirations.

The APHC delegation, including Professor Abdul Ghani Bhatt and Bilal Ghani Lone, called on Mr Kasuri at the Foreign Office here.

“Welcoming the Hurriyat delegation, the foreign minister said the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the core issue between Pakistan and India and its solution in accordance with the Kashmiri aspirations will bring about peace and prosperity and economic stability in the region,” a statement by the Foreign Office spokesperson said.

Mr Kasuri briefed the delegation about the keen interest being taken by President Gen Pervez for early resolution to the Kashmir dispute.

He maintained that the president’s proposals on identification of regions, demilitarisation, self-governance and joint mechanism were strategic initiatives to break the stalemate.

The APHC leaders supported President Gen Musharaf’s initiatives for peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Mr Kasuri told the Hurriyat delegation that Pakistan acknowledged contributions made by APHC leaders in the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India.

He said the Hurriyat leadership’s contributions to the peace process would go a long way in finding a just and long lasting solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The foreign minister condemned a recent attack on the residence of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Srinagar and said those responsible for the act could not be allowed to damage the peace process and the Kashmir cause.

Mr Kasuri also hosted a dinner for the Hurriyat delegation at the Foreign Office.

The APHC leaders will have another interaction with the president on Friday.

This will be their second meeting with him in a week. The delegation is scheduled to leave on Saturday.