Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday denied any communication gap with India on the resolution of core issue of Kashmir and other outstanding issues, but asked it 'not to hold the dialogue process hostage to the Mumbai incident'.
This impression should be dispelled that there is a lack of communication, Gilani said but pointed at the lack of trust between Pakistan and India in an interaction with local Omani media at his hotel. He said Pakistan desires resumption of dialogue process with India to resolve all outstanding issues and in this regard, mentioned his talks with his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh during which he asked him that one incident should not be allowed to hold the dialogue process down.
He termed resolution of Kashmir issue vital for regional stability, adding that Pakistan wishes to discuss all core issues including Kashmir, adding that India too has agreed upon this. About the presence of terrorist groups along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the PM said both the countries realise they are victims of a common enemy. "We should combat terrorism with a joint strategy. Nato forces and ISAF are working in consultation with Pakistan and Afghanistan to jointly combat terrorism." To a question regarding the issue of terrorism and extremism, he said the government is following 3Ds policy of dialogue, development and deterrence and is moving in the right direction to curb the menace. He further said that terrorists, being timid people, are hitting soft targets but have lost their strongholds.
About his visit to Oman, Gilani said it would generate momentum to reinvigorate bilateral relations in further expanding economic and trade co-operation between the two countries. Deliberating on the key economic areas discussed with Omani leadership, he said a whole gamut of economic co-operation was discussed during his meeting with Sultan Qaboos and Deputy Prime Minister of the country.
Elaborating, he said it was agreed that the two countries would maintain good co-operation in diverse areas including textiles, fishing, education and development in Gwadar. He also said his interaction with the Minister of External Liaison gave the opportunity to agree on multi-dimensional co-operation in defence and maritime sectors.
The PM said the two sides also agreed to workout feasibility on running a ferry service between Gwadar and Muscat. He further said Pakistan and Oman have excellent defence co-operation and efforts are on to materialise an agreement in this regard.
About his meeting with Sultan Qaboos, Gilani said he specifically discussed terrorism and extremism, and the role being played by Pakistan as a frontline state in fighting this menace and the sacrifices of its armed forces and civilians. He said the Deputy Prime Minister also agreed to have a regional approach towards terrorism as the issue has no boundaries and should be dealt with unitedly.