Trade with India not to affect local industry’s interests: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said Pakistan would gradually increase trade with India and assured that the interests of local industry would not be undermined. He was talking to Barrister Sultan Mahmood, former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir who called on him at the PM House before embarking upon the three-week foreign tour to the Untied States, United Kingdom, Germany and France.
Talking to a five-member UK delegation led by Sir Peter Ricketts, National Security Advisor here at the Prime Minister House, Gilani said Pakistan wants early return of the Afghan refugees with honour and dignity.
He said the Thimpu meeting paved the way for the resumption of talks between the two countries as the only way forward to settle all outstanding issues including the core issue of Kashmir.
 He appreciated the role of Barrister Sultan along with other leaders for uniting Pakistan Peoples Party in the recent elections in Azad Kashmir thus leading the party to secure comfortable majority to form the government in the state.
 Barrister Sultan Mahmood discussed the proposal of Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Occupied Kashmir and the Azad Kashmir to further facilitate trade across the Line of Control.
 He commended Prime Minister Gilani for taking firm stand on the Kashmir issue with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Maldives where he urged upon its resolution through dialogue.