ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali have said that respect for basic human rights of Kashmiri people is fundamental to creating conditions of peace and normalcy.

They stated this in separate messages issued on the occasion of the Kashmir Solidarity Day, falling on Thursday.

The president said the people of Pakistan observed the Solidarity Day to reaffirm their unflinching support to the legitimate struggle of Kashmiri people for the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination.

"Pakistan favours a general cessation of brutality and violence in occupied Kashmir. The cycle of violence and counter-violence must end. This would entail foolproof measures for protecting and promoting the human rights of Kashmiris and enabling them to realize their legitimate aspirations.

"Kashmir Solidarity Day is also an occasion to pay homage to the memory of brave sons and daughters of Kashmir who laid their lives for their just cause. Their courage and perseverance in the face of tremendous adversity is a source of inspiration to all freedom loving peoples of the world.

"The people of Pakistan will continue to stand by their Kashmiri brethren at all times and under all circumstances until they succeed in achieving their cherished goals. I am confident that history will vindicate them."

The prime minister said: "We remain optimistic about achieving a just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

"It is our sincere conviction that Kashmiri people will finally see the dawn of peace and freedom.

"It is one of the great ironies of history that although the people of Jammu and Kashmir were among the first to have their right to self-determination recognized by the United Nations, 56 years later they have yet to exercise this right.

"For over five decades the people of Kashmir have waited for India to honour its pledges. Their valiant struggle continues, and in spite of the brutality of the repression they have faced, it continues with a vigour and courage borne of conviction in the inherent justice of their cause. It is this very courage that we honour today.

"Pakistan has always emphasized the necessity of a meaningful and constructive dialogue to resolve the Kashmir dispute. We have said time and again that rigidity and repression must give way to accommodation and respect for the fundamental and inalienable rights of Kashmiris, if indeed we are to find a durable and peaceful solution to the problem".