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This is an archive article published on July 19, 2009

India interfering in Balochistan: Gilani

Two days after the controversial Indo-Pak joint statement in Egypt,Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday blamed India....

Two days after the controversial Indo-Pak joint statement in Egypt,Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday blamed India for “interference” in Balochistan and “other areas” and said the document reflected Pakistan’s concerns over this.

The joint statement signed by him and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh “underlines our concerns over India’s interference in Balochistan and other areas of Pakistan”,Gilani told his first press conference after his return from Sharm-el Sheikh.

At the outset,he showered praise on Singh for agreeing to restart dialogue,saying the Indian leader had shown “political sagacity” and “statesmanship” in realising that talks were the only way forward. The statement in a brief reference to Balochistan said that Gilani had “mentioned that Pakistan has some information on threats in Balochistan and other areas”.

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Referring to the document,Gilani said it provides for discussion on all outstanding issues with India.

Asked when Pakistan will give proof to India about its “interference” in Balochistan,he said “as and when talks take place,it will be handed over. Right now we are talking about talks.”

Asked about Singh’s response when he raised the issue of Balochistan,Gilani evaded a direct reply,saying both India and Pakistan are “victims of terrorism” and “joint effort” is required to fight it. He said there was “trust deficit” in relations between India and Pakistan and “with more interactions,that will be taken care of”.

When pointed out that a leader of PoK had criticised the omission of Kashmir issue in the joint statement,Gilani said the reference to “all outstanding issues” includes Kashmir,which,he noted,is the “cornerstone” of ruling Pakistan People’s Party’s policies.

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He said Prime Minister of PoK had called him to congratulate for what he has done on Jammu and Kashmir.

Gilani was asked whether the filing of chargesheet on Saturday against five accused in the Mumbai attacks was a coincidence or a gesture towards India. “We were already probing. A lot of evidence is being probed. It is just coincidence,” he replied.

He said Pakistan has sought more information on Mumbai attacks and Singh has agreed to send it. “When we get further information,certainly we will bring to justice (the perpetrators),” the Prime Minister said.

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