At the UN General Assembly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for India to reopen discussions on Kashmir and reverse the abrogation of Article 370 for lasting peace. He highlighted concerns regarding the treatment of Muslims in India while Pakistan prepares for a rebuttal from Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The Kashmir issue remains a focal point of diplomatic friction between the two nations.
During the recent session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, reiterated his concerns regarding the Kashmir issue, emphasizing the need for dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution. He urged India to reverse its abrogation of Article 370, a constitutional provision that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that such a step is necessary for long-lasting peace in the region. In his over 20-minute address, he highlighted the ongoing struggle of Kashmiris and drew parallels with the plight of Palestinians, advocating for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions. Sharif characterized India’s approach in the region as one of “brutal coercion and oppression,” claiming that the legacy of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani continues to motivate the Kashmiri people’s resistance. He specifically called attention to the pervasive rise of Islamophobia, arguing that the situation of Muslims in India reflects a broader, alarming trend of Hindu supremacy aimed at undermining the rights of approximately 200 million Muslims in the country. In response to these claims, the Indian government, represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, is expected to deliver a counter-argument during the UNGA to uphold India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir and to dismiss Pakistan’s recurring allegations as unfounded. The tension between the two nations has escalated significantly since the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India, leading to a consistent pattern of diplomatic communication regarding the issue. Although Pakistan continually brings up the Kashmir dispute at various international platforms, it has yet to garner significant support from other nations, with India firmly stating that Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of its territory. As the discourse progresses at the UNGA, the international community will be observing how both nations navigate this delicate topic amidst ongoing regional tensions.
The Kashmir issue has been a critical point of contention between Pakistan and India since the partition of British India in 1947. The region is divided between the two nations, with each claiming the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir while administering separate parts. The abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, by India, which revoked the special status previously accorded to Jammu and Kashmir, intensified the dispute and has led to further deterioration in relations. Pakistan advocates for dialogue and international intervention, whereas India maintains that Kashmir is an integral part of its territory and that bilateral discussions should focus on development rather than the contentious status of the region. The topic continues to be raised at various international forums, including the UN, where both nations present their perspectives.
In summary, Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the UNGA reflects Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to internationalize the Kashmir issue while highlighting perceived injustices faced by Muslims in India. The response from India, led by S. Jaishankar, is anticipated to reaffirm India’s stance on territorial integrity and the inappropriateness of Pakistan’s allegations. As these dialogues unfold, they underscore the persistent challenges in achieving diplomatic resolution in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
