Addressing the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi demanded a UN fact-finding mission to Kashmir.
In his maiden address at UN General Assembly, Abbasi said that Pakistan has a vital stake in ending conflicts, fostering peace, fighting terrorism, strengthening democracy, promoting human rights, generating global growth and overcoming the challenges of environmental degradation. We can achieve these goals, and create a new and peaceful world order, only through the United Nations and by strict adherence to the principles of its Charter.
Indian occupied Kashmir
During his address, PM strongly condemned Indian HR violations in IoK, adding that Indian atrocities must be stopped. He said Kashmir’s struggle for freedom is legitimate.
Abbasi highlighted the persistent human rights violations carried out in the Occupied Kashmir (IoK) by the Indian forces that are a blatant breach of the Geneva Convention.
PM Abbasi siad that the exercise of the right to self- determination by the people of Jammu and Kashmir through a free and fair plebiscite should be held under UN auspices. The people of Kashmir have waited 70 years for implementation of this promise, he added.
Pakistan wants peace with India and ready to enter into a serious and sustained dialogue for peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Kashmir. He further said that Kashmir issue should be resolved as per UN’s resolution.
Abbasi said that India has deployed 700,000 troops to brutally curb peaceful struggle of Kashmiris, He said pallet guns being used to stop Kashmiris from raising their voice against Indian atrocities. He said India committed 600 times ceasefire violation along LOC to divert the World’s attention from Kashmiris struggle.
Afghanistan
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Abbasi did not explicitly criticize US President Donald Trump´s new strategy on Afghanistan but made clear his displeasure with the renewed onus on Pakistan. He reiterated Pakistan's stance of politically-negotiated solution to the Afghan conflict instead of applying failed strategy of increasing troops.
"Having suffered and sacrificed so much due to our role in the global counter terrorism campaign, it is especially galling for Pakistan to be blamed for the military or political stalemate in Afghanistan," PM added.
Abbasi said that 27,000 Pakistanis have been killed by extremists since the launch of the US war on terror after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Abbasi called for a priority on eliminating extremists, including from the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda, in Afghanistan but ultimately a political solution with the Taliban.
The premier stated that while Daesh has been decimated in most Middle Eastern regions, including Yemen, the group's creeping global influence is evident through the recent events around the world.
PM Abbasi noted that the state-sponsored terrorism is an issue of considerable importance since foreign elements and safe havens across the border continuously stay engaged in disrupting the peaceful, democratic environment of Pakistan.
The prime minister emphasized on how "no one desires peace in Afghanistan more than Pakistan". However, he urged the world to understand that it "will not allow the Afghan war to be fought on its soil".
PM said that Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the UN is well established. He said Pakistan has played a pioneering and consistent role in UN Peacekeeping. He stressed that Pakistan "is not prepared to be anyone's scapegoat", adding that the country has been consistently active in the war against terrorism and that it has lost more to the cause than any other nation.
Rohingya Muslims
Abbasi also underscored how the world is watching the ongoing mass genocide of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, while no effective measure has been taken stop the brutality and atrocities.
CPEC
He said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a leading investment vehicle. He said we are also looking at other additional sources of investment from the West.
Grief over loss
PM has expressed grief and sorrow over the heavy loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake in Mexico and Hurricane Maria and Irma, adding that government and people of Pakistan express their solidarity and stand by the government and people at this difficult time period.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi held a meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres on the eve of his address at 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
During his meeting with UN Secretary General, PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi handed dossier on Indian ceasefire violation along LOC and Indian atrocities in IoK that leads to human rights violation.
He also demanded appointment of a special UN envoy for occupied Kashmir.
Both the leaders discussed prevailing situation in Afghanistan and affirm their all out support to bring peace in the region.
Guterres said that he holds Pakistan very close to his heart and that he has visited the country many times.
Acknowledging Pakistan's great efforts to curb the menace of terrorism, Guterres said Pakistan’s sacrifices against terrorism are great, adding that he, himself, has witnessed its counter-terrorism operations and that he was a great admirer of the nation’s efforts in this regard.
The Premier also called for an expansion of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
Abbasi will be addressing the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York tonight, in what will be his debut into the highest international diplomacy after having taken over the office last month.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Abbasi met with the US Vice President Mike Pence and said Pakistan was determined to eliminating terrorism.
BILL-GATE & POLIO
Microsoft founder and head of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates Thursday appreciated the tremendous success of Pakistan in eradication of polio virus from the country over the past four years. He called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
While commending Pakistan's efforts in this connection, Bill Gates said that he would stand with Pakistan and pledged all support for polio eradication from the country. He expressed his desire to work in the country to raise the status of a common man.
The prime minister briefed Bill Gates on the measures taken by his government in the national fight against the deadly polio virus.
Prime Minister Abbasi said federal government along with all provincial governments have collectively involved in efforts for polio eradication.
He said all resources at federal and provincial levels were being fully utilized for achieving a polio free Pakistan and ensuring healthy future generations.
Tags:
National