Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday underlined the need for the early resumption of the peace process with India, saying the non-resolution of outstanding issues between the two countries is impeding Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism.
"Non-resolution of outstanding
issues is impeding the government of Pakistan’s efforts to effectively counter the menace of terrorism," Gilani told a session of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Council that he chaired at the Prime Minister’s House here.
Gilani "underlined the need for early resumption of the stalled dialogue process with India". However, he said the dialogue "must be meaningful and result-oriented".
Referring to the need to resume the peace process that has been stalled since the Mumbai attacks in November last year, Gilani said he had "impressed upon India and the rest of the world that terrorism is the real issue".
Gilani said he had told world leaders that peace and stability in South Asia "can only be guaranteed if all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India, including the Kashmir dispute, are resolved".
Pakistan has "shown commitment to reverse the course of confrontation in South Asia", he contended.
"Pakistan is ready to start a journey of peace and accommodation in order to provide a better environment to the people to prosper and develop," Gilani said.