President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday sought reduction in forces on both sides of the Line of Control in Kashmir to facilitate the search for a just and durable solution.

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"Pakistan and India stand at a cross-road in history. Hopes for finding a peaceful solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute have been raised by prospects of resumption of composite talks between Pakistan and India," Musharraf said in a Kashmir Day message.

Pakistan will observe Kashmir Day on Thursday.

"It is imperative for Pakistan and India to seize this opportunity [secretary-level talks in February] by addressing seriously and substantively the Kashmir issue to the entire satisfaction of the people of Kashmir."

He said Pakistan's support for the Kashmiri cause is based not only on the bonds of kinship, "but accords fully with our obligations and responsibility under international law, UN Charter, principles and relevant Security Council resolutions.

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

Musharraf said "a whole range of interim measures, including Indian force reduction, must be taken to bring a modicum of normalcy in the lives of traumatised Kashmiris. These interim steps would facilitate the search for a just and durable solution that corresponds with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people."

In his message, Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali said Kashmir Day is being observed by Pakistanis to demonstrate "their unwavering support" for Kashmiris.

"Pakistan has always emphasised 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 the Kashmiris, if indeed we are to find a durable and peaceful solution to the problem. We remain optimistic about achieving a just and peaceful settlement to the Kashmir dispute," he said.

The PTV would launch its first exclusive Kashmir channel on Thursday. The channel based in Pakistan-occupied
Kashmir's capital, Muzzafarabad, would begin with a two-hour transmission and focus on Pakistan's Kashmir policy.