6. All-Parties Hurriyat Conference
The anticipated visit by the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference leadership to Pakistan is in doubt because the APHC is demanding that all seven passports be approved before selecting their team. The Indian government stated that all seven can't be approved because not all seven have submitted applications. Hasan Akhtar argues in The Dawn that while the APHC-Pakistan meeting may not occur on January 15, talks are still likely to occur at a later time.
"Hurriyat leaders visit to Pakistan in doubt"
"APHC delegation's visit on 15th uncertain"
All-Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman Abdul Gani Bhatt stated that the obstruction of the APHC visit to Pakistan by the Indian government could affect the ceasefire negatively. Pakistan indicated that it is awaiting the APHC visit but that the APHC would be received as a representative of the Kashmiri freedom movement and not as state leaders.
"Delay in visit can affect cease-fire: APHC"
"Pak. awaits Hurriyat delegation"
All-Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mohammad Yasin Malik reported that the APHC had decided to send a five member team to Pakistan, should their passports be approved, consisting of Jaamat-e-Islami leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Abdul Gani Lone, Moulvi Abbas Ansari and Shiekh Abdul Aziz. Of the five, only two currently have passports. The Dawn reported that analysts believed the APHC chose their team to prevent the Indian government from de facto doing so.
"Geelani in 5-member Hurriyat team to Pakistan"
"Hurriyat forms team for visit to Pakistan: APHC Chief keeps himself out"
All-Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Abdul Gani Lone stated that India would be taking a positive step forward by approving the APHC passports for travel to Pakistan. Abdul Gani Bhat later stated that the team would not go unless travel was approved for all five members, a development from earlier demands that passports be approved for all seven members of the APHC Executive Council. Bhat reported that the agenda for the trip would include discussing with the Pakistani government and Pakistan-based militant groups a "joint strategy" for the "final settlement" of the Kashmir dispute. Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Forum (JKDF) president Bhushan Bazaz also requested that all five passports be approved.
"Passport to Hurriyat leaders will be big step: Lone"
"Hurriyat hopeful of getting passports"
"Passports for all or no visit: Hurriyat"
"APHC seeks passports for entire delegation"
"Hurriyat reiterates stand on passports"
"Issue passports to all 5 Hurriyat leaders: JKDF"
The Dawn reported that a Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman stated that the Pakistani government welcomed the decision by the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference to send a five-member team, and encouraged the Indian government to grant travel documents.
"Islamabad asks Delhi to facilitate APHC mission"
Indian Home Minister L.K. Advani stated that the government was considering the passport applications of the seven members of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference leadership. An Indian government official stated that the government had delayed because it wanted the APHC to pick its team, and that now that the team had been picked, India would soon make its decision on the passport requests. Indian National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra stated that the decision on whether or not to approve the passport requests by the APHC would be made after Indian Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee returned to New Delhi on January 14. Mishra said that the decision would likely be affected by recent terrorist attacks.
"Hurriyat passports under consideration: Advani"
"Home ministry sceptical about outcome of visit"
"Decision on Hurriyat passports after PM's return"
Gul Mohammed Shah, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, welcomed tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri people, and said the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference visit could break the ice, he said the APHC does not represent the Kashmiri people.
"Hurriyat has no say in Kashmir: Shah"