KARACHI, June 13: The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) has urged President Musharraf and Prime Minister Vajpayee to initiate a dialogue to solve the Kashmir issue.

In letters written to both the leaders the Pakistan National Federation of Trade Unions (PNFTU), which is affiliated with the ICFTU, said that the conflict could only be resolved through a dialogue.

The PNFTU chief Mohammad Sharif, writing on behalf of the ICFTU, said the ICFTU had been following the events in the South Asian region closely and was extremely concerned that the confrontation could lead to a disasterous war. The union believed that a lasting peace could only be attained through dialogue.

He wrote that both the countries had huge populations and faced grave economic and social problems. The continuous tensions diverted much needed resources to arms buildup and would further aggravate the security and living standard of the working people and their families.

He urged the Indian Prime Minister to stop the killings on the Line of Control, avoid threats of war which might bring disaster to both the countries and hold talks with Pakistan to settle the long outstanding dispute of Jammu and Kashmir to bring peace and harmony between the two neighbours.

He has urged the world community to persuade India not to extend threats to Pakistan and stop military action along the Line of Control. He said the world community and the United Nations should settle the Kashmir issue through a plebiscite to create lasting peace between India and Pakistan.