Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in his meeting with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted the critical situation in occupied Kashmir. He said if the situation in held Kashmir is not addressed according to the wishes of its people, it would have far-reaching consequences.
PM informed the newly-appointed UNSG that Pakistan wants sustainable peace and security in the region. It was in that spirit Pakistan invited India for discussions on the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Prime Minister reiterated that the people of Kashmir were guaranteed a free, transparent and impartial plebiscite by the resolutions of the UN Security Council. This promise was yet to materialize. The Secretary General assured the Prime Minister that he was fully cognizant of the sensitivity of the issues between India and Pakistan which has security consequences for the region. He said that he would play a very constructive and positive role for the countries in the region including Pakistan.
Kashmir is a ‘flash point’ which could turn into a very serious situation and UN should play role in addressing the long-standing dispute. Ethnic cleansing and genocide of Kashmiris by the Indian occupational forces is highly regrettable. Kashmir is an internationally recognised issue and should be resolved according to resolutions of United Nations. Kashmir is an international dispute, which remained on the agenda of the Security Council. Sustained dialogue process on all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir is vital to make progress. Several decades before India approached the United Nations on Kashmir dispute but this dispute remains the most persistent failure of the United Nations.
It is a positive approach of Pakistan to highlight globally the Indian brutalities in held Kashmir. Pakistan made the outside world realized the atrocities being committed by Indian forces in held valley. Pakistan also sent parliamentarians for fighting the Kashmir cause in different parts of the World. It is welcoming approach of Prime Minister to remind the United Nations on its long-held promise of Self Determination to the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan has shown its will and commitment for lasting peace and security in the region which is in the interest of all regional countries. Pakistan has time and again stressed the need of unconditional negotiations to find peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute. But India by opting policy of no talks is fueling instability in an already tense region.
In fact India is damaging the atmosphere through incendiary statements, and trying to silence the voice for the legitimate right to self determination of the Kashmiri people. Since decades people of held Kashmir are struggling for their rights and have rendered great sacrifices. Last year, Indian forces have killed hundreds of innocent protesters in the valley. India should realize that best way forward to find peaceful resolution of Kashmir is only possible through negotiations. Peace in the region is linked with peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute.
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