Tuesday, December 20 2005 10:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf yesterday (Dec 19, 2005) said the October 8 earthquake had provided an opportunity for building further links between Kashmiris on both sides, which should not be missed.

At a meeting with visiting Chairman of UN Foundation Ted Turner, Musharraf said Pakistan has conveyed proposals to India in this regard, which he hoped would be reciprocated.

He said the earthquake provided a chance for building further links between Kashmiris on either side of the border, which should not be missed.

He thanked Turner and the UN Foundation for the assistance provided for earthquake relief and their efforts to generate more funds, an official statement said.

Musharraf also appreciated UN Foundation's active role in controlling Polio and other diseases and thanked Turner for the agency's assistance for Pakistan's Polio Eradication Programme.

Turner on his part lauded Musharraf for initiating the peace process with India. The UN Foundation chief, who visited the quake-affected areas along with his 20-member delegation, said they had been impressed by the effective response of the Government of Pakistan to the disaster.