Nawaz at the UN

The consensus across Pakistani society vis-a-vis the prime minister’s address to the UNGA is that the PM has effectively highlighted the Kashmir issue at the world forum. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s strong assertion was that the long-pending Kashmir issue must be resolved, on a priority basis, according to the UN Resolution of 1948. Urging the world body to prevail on India to allow its fact-finding mission to visit occupied Kashmir, to corroborate the ongoing Indian atrocities against the unarmed and innocent people of that region, couldn’t have been more appropriate. Denial on the part of India to grant this request of the United Nations, or for that matter of any other country of the world, would expose India’s ill-intent and confirm the continuing Indian vandalism and brutalities in Held Kashmir.

The offer to India for talks on all bilateral issues, particularly the critical issue of Kashmir, reflects the magnanimity of Pakistan and its sincere desire to have a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship. However, this offer must not sidetrack the main issue of Kashmir. It is a plain fact that no peace can ever be established between the two warring nations until the core issue of Kashmir is resolved.     The world community must not only take immediate cognizance of the Kashmir issue but also mobilise world opinion in favor of the subjugated and battered people of Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan must also further bolster its efforts in this regard. Emphasis must be laid on immediate resolution of the Kashmir problem, through a plebiscite held in the occupied territory. The sooner the world community realises the truth that in resolution of the Kashmir issue lies the establishment of peace the better it would be for all stakeholders.

M Fazal Elahi

Islamabad