A319 flight crew reported GPWS activation on approach while crossing a ridge.

Narrative

On descend on the ZZZZZ X for Runway XX into ZZZZ we received a 'terrain terrain' followed by a 'pull up pull up'. We responded in kind and cleared the conflict and resumed the approach.After crossing ZZZZZ1 we were cleared ZZZZZ2 and 10;500 feet. As we approached ZZZZZ2 we asked for lower; ZZZZZ2 is labeled as 8600 feet. We were cleared 9000; I started a descend from 10500 feet. We had a visual of the ridge line and the top of the terrain. The approach chart showed 8000 as highest altitude in our path. About this time we got GPWS 'terrain terrain' followed by a 'pull up pull up'; I started a climb; about 1000 feet a minute and within seconds we were clear. As we recovered on the path and descent; we were past any obstructions and had visual on the terrain. We continued on to ZZZZZ2 for the RNAV approach and a safe landing. We debriefed at the gate.Cause: I believe that I was worried about not making the altitude due to the direct point they gave us; I would mitigate that by staying on the arrival and approach.