ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have called for finding solution to major disputes and developing a culture of tolerance which, they said, was vital for peace and security.

President Musharraf called for stepping up efforts to find just solutions of the Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine issues through dialogue. The president said in a message on the Human Rights Day on Thursday that it was important for the creation of a peaceful and secure world to encourage dialogue between civilizations "and thus avert a clash among adherent of various religions".

"... It is imperative that we step up our efforts to find lasting and just solution of the issues of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine through dialogue and negotiations." In a separate message, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the government was developing a culture of tolerance within the country to eliminate extremism.

Prime Minister Aziz said that Pakistan was cooperating in bringing about peace through the promotion and protection of human rights, especially those related to women, children and the religious minorities.

This, he said, had enabled its people to protect the coming generations from exploitation and terrorism. The prime minister said the commemoration of the day entailed the recognition of the inherent dignity and the inalienable right of all segments of the society and the entire humanity, which served as the foundation for freedom, justice and peace in the world. -APP