ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Pakistan on Wednesday announced a partial troop withdrawal along the tense unofficial border in divided Kashmir following India's extension of its ceasefire with Kashmiri fighters.
The military's public relations department also called on India to match the move by reducing its troop presence in its part of the Himalayan state.
"Pakistan has unilaterally taken another bold initiative to withdraw part of its forces deployed along the Line of Control [the unofficial border]," the military said in a statement.
"The move back has already commenced and the troops have started moving towards cantonments [barracks].
"The action manifests Pakistan's earnest and genuine desire to de-escalate the situation in order to facilitate the process of meaningful dialogue on the issue.
"It is hoped that India would also reciprocate in a similar manner and de-induct part of its 700,000-strong force deployed in Indian-occupied Kashmir."
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee earlier extended New Delhi's month-long ceasefire by another month, in the latest initiative to kick-start a peace process.
Pakistan responded to India's unilateral suspension of military operations against Kashmiris last month with a promise to show maximum restraint along the tense unofficial border in Kashmir, the scene of frequent skirmishes.
It has also called for India to allow Kashmiri leaders from its side of the divided state to visit Islamabad for discussions on how to arrange a formal three-way dialogue.
India and Pakistan have fought two wars and a border conflict over Kashmir, split between them in 1947.
But Kashmir's main fighting group, the Hizbul Mujahideen, dismissed India's ceasefire extension as a "drama" aimed at deceiving the world.
"It is merely a drama as India has refused to take any concrete steps to resolve the festering Kashmir dispute," Hizbul spokesman Salim Hashmi said.
India should recognize Kashmir as a disputed territory, drastically cut its heavy troop deployment, release prisoners and agree to three-way talks with Pakistan and the Kashmiris, Hashmi said.
"If India takes these steps we will give a positive response. Otherwise fraudulent announcements of ceasefire carry no meaning."
He said that despite India's ceasefire during the ongoing Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Indian forces were continuing operations against Kashmirirs fighting New Delhi's rule.
