PM Shehbaz Urges India to Engage in Dialogue for Peaceful Resolution of Kashmir Dispute
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on India to engage in dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Speaking at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he highlighted that UN resolutions mandate a plebiscite to allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination.
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Shehbaz Sharif pointed out that India is significantly expanding its military capabilities, primarily directed against Pakistan. He noted that India’s war doctrines include plans for a surprise attack and a limited war under the shadow of nuclear conflict. The Prime Minister criticized India for dismissing Pakistan’s proposals for a mutual strategic restraint regime and mentioned that Indian leadership has frequently threatened to cross the Line of Control to take control of Azad Kashmir.
He firmly stated that Pakistan will respond decisively to any acts of aggression from India.
The Prime Minister stated that this situation is not merely a conflict; it is a systematic slaughter of innocent individuals and an attack on the very essence of human life and dignity.
He remarked that the blood of children in Gaza stains not only the hands of the oppressors but also those who are complicit in prolonging this cruel situation.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that condemnation alone is insufficient and urged the international community to take immediate action to demand an end to this violence. He declared that the blood and sacrifices of innocent Palestinians will never be in vain.
The Prime Minister asserted that we must strive for a viable, secure, contiguous, and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its eternal capital. He insisted that this goal should be pursued by promptly granting Palestine full membership in the United Nations.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that the failure to enforce UN resolutions has given Israel a sense of impunity and threatens to drag the entire Middle East into a conflict with potentially severe and unimaginable consequences.
Shehbaz Sharif reflected on the devastating floods that struck Pakistan two years ago, resulting in damages amounting to thirty billion dollars. He highlighted that Pakistan contributes less than one percent of global carbon emissions, yet the country has faced significant repercussions through no fault of its own. He stressed the principle that “the polluter pays.”
The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s anticipation for the fulfillment of commitments made by development partners to support the Sustainable Development Goals and climate objectives, including a new annual target exceeding one hundred billion dollars in climate finance.
He underscored the need for reforming the international financial system, global trade, and technological frameworks to foster development and ensure global equity.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that the government has made tough but essential decisions that have saved the economy from potential collapse, restored macroeconomic stability, controlled fiscal deficits, and bolstered reserves. As a result, inflation has decreased to single digits, and the outlook for economic growth has improved.
The Prime Minister stated that the government has prioritized geo-economics and regional connectivity to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
