New Delhi: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday sparked off a controversy by saying that his government will first talk to Kashmiri separatist leaders before starting dialogue with India.
Ignoring India's opposition, Sharif said, "Before the dialogue with India, I have decided to engage with Kashmiri leaders."
He added, "It is our fundamental belief that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through dialogue. My government initiated dialogue with India but it cancelled the scheduled foreign secretary talks."
He said India has always exhibited its traditional stubbornness regarding the Kashmir issue.
Nawaz also said that the international community must play its role in bringing India to the dialogue table over the Kashmir issue.
He said Pakistan wishes to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue, adding that India could be brought to the table for talks with the help of international institutions.
Earlier this year, India had called off joint secretary-level talks with Pakistan after it held talks with Kashmiri leaders.
He expressed satisfaction with the international community's acknowledgment of India's "biased attitude" towards its neighbour.
(With additional information from IANS)
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