India, Pak should resolve Kashmir issue through talks: Gilani

India should "seriously" take forward the dialogue process with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue which is the "biggest problem" between the two countries, prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said today.

"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.

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.

Gilani asked India to stop, what he alleged, "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.

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.

A democratic Pakistan is playing its rightful role at all international fora and in efforts for world peace, he said.

Gilani also described Pakistan's "all-weather friendship" with China as the cornerstone of the foreign policy.

Intensive leadership-level engagements have yielded "positive results" and Pakistan deeply appreciates the Chinese assistance for economic development and security, he said.

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.