Islamabad, Feb 5: Pakistan premier Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said that world pressure had forced India to return to the negotiating table with Pakistan as the international community had realised the importance of settling the Kashmir issue.
Gilani made the remarks while addressing a meeting here of the Cabinet of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on the occasion of ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’. Gilani said Pakistan has always sought the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue through talks and desires that the Kashmiri people be made part of the dialogue process.
 Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue “remains unchanged and the government will continue its political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir,” he said.
 Gilani said international pressure had forced India to return to the negotiating table with Pakistan.
 The international community had realised the importance of settling the Kashmir problem, he said, adding that lasting peace in the region cannot be ensured unless the issue is resolved.
 “The whole nation is united on the Kashmir issue and Pakistan desires its resolution according to the aspirations of Kashmiri people,” he added. “It is a reaffirmation of our firm resolve to stand by our Kashmiri brethren in their endeavour to decide their own fate”, the Prime Minister said.
 Gilani said; “today, as we observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day, our hearts go out to the families of more than ninety thousand (90,000) Kashmiris who have scarified their lives in upholding the ideals of freedom and liberty”.  “We pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people. The sacrifices will not go in vain”, the Prime Minister added.
 “They (Kashmiris) have lost their homes, friends and families. Yet they have not lost hope and have remained steadfast in their quest for their inalienable right of self determination”, he added.
 The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the international community would also play its role in bringing an end to violence and human rights violations of the Kashmiri people.
 “I reassure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters of Pakistan’s continued and unflinching moral, diplomatic and political support for their just cause”, he added.
 Gilani had planned to visit Muzaffarabad to observe the day but had to cancel his trip due to bad weather in Islamabad.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 5 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 5 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 6 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST