Musharraf allays fears of PoK leaders

In an apparent attempt to allay fear of any compromise on Kashmir, Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Thursday assured leaders of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that the aspirations of Kashmiris would be kept in mind while working out any agreement with India on the vexed issue.

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Musharraf met PoK's president Sardar Anwar Khan, prime minister Sikandar Hayat Khan and a host of other Kashmiri leaders and apprised them about the discussions he had with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee following which the two countries agreed to hold a composite dialogue on all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, in February.

Briefing mediapersons immediately after the meeting, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said the president explained the modalities for talks. After an elaborate explanation by Musharraf, Pakistan-based Kashmiri leaders reposed their confidence in the president and hoped he would ensure justice for Kashmiris.