Islamabad, Aug 14: Pakistan prime minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday asked India to stop “human rights excesses” in Kashmir.
“We want to resolve all problems with India through talks. The biggest problem between Pakistan and India is the problem of Jammu and Kashmir,” Gilani said in a televised address to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day.
“In pursuance of our objective of a peaceful and stable neighbourhood and for resolving outstanding disputes with India, we firmly believe that dialogue is the only way forward,” he said.
Pakistan will continue advocating a strategic restraint regime for lasting peace and stability in South Asia, he said.
Gilani asked India to stop, “human rights excesses” in Kashmir. India should “seriously take forward the talks process to solve this important issue,” he said as he outlined the contours of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Gilani said dialogue is the “only way forward” for Pakistan and India to resolve their outstanding problems and to usher in peace and stability in South Asia. “In pursuance of our objective of a peaceful and stable neighbourhood and for resolving outstanding disputes with India, we firmly believe that dialogue is the only way forward,” he said.
Pakistan will continue advocating a strategic restraint regime for lasting peace and stability in South Asia, he said.
At the same time, Gilani made it clear that Pakistan has “legitimate stakes” in Afghanistan and efforts to achieve peace in that war-torn country.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan face a common set of challenges and we have a legitimate stakes in Afghanistan’s peace, stability and development. We will continue to support an Afghan-led process of reconciliation and reintegration,” he said.
Elaborating on the country’s foreign policy, Gilani said its central point is the protection and promotion of Pakistan’s interests at the regional and global levels.
Gilani also described Pakistan’s “all-weather friendship” with China as the cornerstone of the foreign policy.
Pakistan also gives “great importance” to its ties with the US and both countries are conducting a strategic dialogue to boost bilateral relations, he said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST