Pakistan PM claims international pressure forced India to resume talks

Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani today claimed 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-occupied Kashmir on the occasion of 'Kashmir Solidarity Day'.

His comments also came a day after Indian officials said that New Delhi had proposed the resumption of talks between foreign secretaries of the two countries.
  
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 claimed that 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.

Gilani had planned to visit PoK capital Muzaffarabad to observe the day but had to cancel his trip due to bad weather in Islamabad.

He joined Kashmiri leaders, including politicians from PoK, in expressing solidarity with them by forming a human chain. 

Meanwhile, sources in Foreign Office have said that Pakistan has sought clarifications on the "contents and agenda" for the talks to formulate an official response to India's proposal.