LAHORE, Nov 24: Peace activists in the region see reasons for optimism after Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali’s offer of a ceasefire across the Line of Control.

“This is a very important step towards peace-building. The Indian government should be urged to respond positively and keep up the momentum of the peace process through which the two countries should resolve all the disputes,” said human rights activist Asma Jehangir.

In a statement issued here on Monday, she said the governments of both the neighbours should also cease all operations in Siachin and withdraw their forces, who had been suffering under difficult conditions.

They must also allow the female travellers’ passage through land routes. “The ultimate objective for both the governments should centre around promoting the political, cultural and economic rights of the people,” she said.

Ms Asma added that the prime minister had taken a wise step and he must keep the peace initiative in his hands so that it continued to thrive without being entangled in bureaucratic hurdles.—PPI