Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday made an emphatic call for resolution of Jammu and Kashmir conflict as imperative for peace, security and economic uplift of South Asians, saying the region must proceed with more “dialogue and diplomacy” following missed opportunities including cancellation of last month’s Pakistan-India talks.
Prime Minister Sharif also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to highest standard of nuclear safety and said the country is following a policy of reliable deterrence but cannot be oblivious to the “emerging security scenarios and buildup of armaments.”
Islamabad, Nawaz Sharif said, is striving to overcome challenges of terrorism – which he condemned in all its forms and manifestations.
“We have determined that regional peace and security, political stability in the country, the rule of law and social justice are absolutely crucial for the realization of these goals. Above all, we will continue to work for the promotion and protection of human rights.”
“We were disappointed at the cancellation of the Foreign Secretary-level talks. The world community, too, rightly saw it as another missed opportunity,” he said in a reference to India’s unilateral cancellation of talks, which were to be held in August.
“Pakistan is convinced that we must remain engaged in the dialogue process for settling disputes and building economic and trade relations. Let us not ignore the dividends of peace.”
He reminded the global gathering of leaders that more than six decades ago, the United Nations passed resolutions to hold a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir and that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are still waiting for the fulfillment of that promise.
“Many generations of Kashmiris have lived their lives under occupation, accompanied by violence and abuse of their fundamental rights. Kashmiri women, in particular, have undergone immense suffering and humiliation.
“For decades, attempts have been made, both under UN auspices and bilaterally in the spirit of the Lahore Declaration, to resolve this dispute.”
“The core issue of Jammu and Kashmir has to be resolved. This is the responsibility of the international community. We cannot draw a veil on the issue of Kashmir, until it is addressed in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
“Pakistan is ready to work for resolution of this problem through negotiations. Our support and advocacy of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is our historic commitment and a duty, as a party to the Kashmir dispute,” he added.
