India holding dialogue process hostage: Gilani

Muscat: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday asked India not to hold the dialogue process hostage to the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. “There is no communication gap with India on resolving core issue of Kashmir and other outstanding issues. This impression should be dispelled that there is lack of communication. However, there is lack of trust,” he told Omani newsmen.

Gilani said Pakistan desires resumption of dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues and spoke of talks with his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh during which he asked him that one incident should not hinder talks. “Resolving the Kashmir issue is vital for regional stability. Pakistan wished to discuss all core issues including Kashmir, and India too had agreed on it.”

Regarding the presence of terrorist groups along the Pak-Afghan border, Gilani said both countries realize they are “victims of common enemy. We should combat terrorism with a joint strategy. NATO forces and ISAF are working in consultation with Pakistan, Afghanistan to jointly combat terrorism.” On terrorism, extremism, Gilani said Pakistan is following 3Ds policy of dialogue, development and deterrence. “Terrorists are hitting soft targets but have now lost their stronghold.” Prime Minister Gilani added that his visit to Oman will further expand economic, trade cooperation. “I discussed whole gamut of cooperation in meeting with Sultan Qaboos and Deputy Premier.