Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday emphasised the need for improving Pakistan-India ties and called for fulfilling the United Nations-recognised rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir besides calling for an end to United States-led drone strikes on Pakistani soil.
Speaking at the United Nations 68th General Assembly session, Nawaz also stated his commitment to help Afghanistan in its efforts towards stability.
Nawaz said that Pakistan has suffered gravely from terrorism and is against all forms and manifestations of terror. His government’s offer of dialogue with militants, he stressed, should not be seen as a tool of appeasement.
“The UN must continue to attend to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and fully realise the right to self-determination of the Kashmiris,” he emphasised, reminding the world that “suffering of the people cannot be brushed under the carpet because of power politics”.
“I have an aspiration for regional peace and stability. I have shared this vision with leaders in our neighborhood. Shortly after assuming office, I received a message of goodwill from Indian PM Manmohan Singh. I invited him to address all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan,” Nawaz said, regarding his government’s regional policy, adding that Singh’s response was positive.
ARMS RACE:
He said Pakistan and India have wasted massive resources in an arms race. “We could have used those resources for the economic well-being of our people. We still have that opportunity. Pakistan and India can prosper together and the entire region would benefit from our cooperation,” Sharif said.
“We are ready to re-engage with India in a substantive and purposeful dialogue,” said the premier.
Sharif said he was looking forward to meeting the Indian PM in New York “to make a new beginning” based on the Lahore Accord signed in 1999, which contained a road map for the resolution of Pak-India differences through peaceful negotiations.
PAK-AFGHAN TIES:
Speaking about Afghanistan, the PM told world leaders that he had welcomed Afghan President Karzai in Islamabad last month and both leaders had reaffirmed a mutual goal of a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan.
“I told President Karzai that we do not wish to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs nor do we have any favorites in the country. In fact, we hope that the Afghans themselves will unite for peace, prosperity and development of their country,” said Nawaz.
“We support an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process leading to national reconciliation,” he added.
TERRORISM:
Drawing the world’s attention to Pakistan’s counterterrorism role, he said in the past 12 years, Pakistan has given many sacrifices.
Nawaz said he had tried to forge national consensus on a cohesive policy to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan and had convened an All Parties Conference for the purpose, which spoke unanimously against terrorism.
“Winning hearts and minds, particularly of the youth, is as important as using guns to deter terrorism but dialogue should not be seen as a sign of weakness,” said Nawaz.
DRONE STRIKES:
He said the war against terrorism must be waged within the framework of international law.
“The use of armed drones in the border areas of Pakistan is a continued violation of our territorial integrity,” said Nawaz, adding that it results in casualties of innocent civilians and is detrimental to the efforts to eliminate extremism and terrorism from Pakistan.
“I have urged the US to cease drone strikes so that we can avert further casualties and suffering,” Nawaz said.
ATTACK ON MINORITIES:
The PM also referred to the recent attack on a church in Peshawar, saying that Pakistanis were saddened by the attack on the members of a minority community.
“This attack has united the entire Pakistani nation in support of our brothers and sisters from all faiths and has further strengthened my government’s resolve to deal with terrorism and extremism in a resolute and comprehensive manner,” he said, adding that the attack has been done by the same elements which have attacked our mosques, shrines, citizens and security forces personnel.
RESPONSIBLE NUCLEAR STATE:
Sharif said Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and will continue to pursue the goals of disarmament and non-proliferation and adhere to the policy of credible minimum deterrence, without entering into an arms race.
