Two days after the controversial Indo-Pak joint statement in Egypt, Prime Minister Yousuf 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 Dr 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, which has been attacked by opposition parties and commentators in India, in a brief reference to Balochistan said that Gilani had "mentioned that Pakistan has some information on threats in Balochistan and other areas."
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."
During his long interaction with journalists, they congratulated Gilani for "showing courage" at the talks with Dr Singh and getting Balochistan onto the table.
Asked about Dr 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.
To a question, Gilani said Dr Singh was "very clear" that he was ready to discuss all issues. "Just put the cards on the table, I am not scared," he quoted Dr Singh as saying during their three-hour-long discussions.
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 Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 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.
He said Prime Minister of PoK had called him to congratulate for what he has done on Jammu and Kashmir.
"We discussed in detailed regarding the Composite Dialogue. In principle, we both agreed that dialogue is the only way forward. The population of both the countries is 1.5 billion people and we can't make them suffer and hold hostage to one issue," Gilani said about his talks with Dr Singh.
Queried whether the US had helped in making India agree to resuming dialogue, the Pakistan prime minister said, "I have never requested America. It is our own effort, Pakistan's own efforts. Both leaders (Singh and Gilani) were convinced with the stand we took that will help both the countries to move forward."
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 Dr Singh has agreed to send it.
"When we get further information, certainly we will bring to justice (the perpetrators)," the prime minister said.
Gilani said Dr Singh had expressed apprehension about another Mumbai-type attack and he had said if there was 'credible and actionable information, it should be shared with our agencies and Pakistan will help'.
The prime minister also contradicted President Asif Ali Zardari on his comment that Pakistan does not feel threatened by India.
"Ask them who hold such a view. We have not had very good relations with India. So have to be little careful. There is lack of trust. When this ends, then we can say we are not threatened. It is too early to say that now," he said when asked whether he shared Zardari's view that India is not a threat to Pakistan.
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