- Sartaj Aziz, Ban Ki moon discuss situation along LoC, working boundary
- Aziz calls for strengthening of UNMOGIP, tells UNSC to advise India to adopt mature and reasonable approach, says it is UN’s responsibility to implement its resolutions promising self-determination to Kashmiris
- UNSG asks Pak, India to de-escalate situation, resolve all outstanding issues through negotiations
Indian and Pakistani troops traded cross-border fire Sunday injuring at least one Pakistani civilian in Janglora village of Sialkot’s Bajwat sector, the latest in a series of clashes that began earlier this month and have claimed at least 20 civilian lives.
Responding to the cross-border firing, Pakistan’s foreign affairs official Sartaj Aziz contacted United Nations (UN) Secretary-General (SC) Ban Ki-moon, saying that Islamabad “was fully united and determined to thwart any aggression”, according to a statement released by Aziz’s office. Ban emphasised that both sides de-escalate the tensions and resolve all issues through negotiations.
The exchange of fire started following “unprovoked” fire by Indian forces across the border that separates the disputed Kashmir valley and Pakistan’s Punjab province, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.
Earlier in the day, Indian Army also fired in Phulkian Sector. The wounded was shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Sialkot where all victims of the recent Indo-Pak clashes have been provided free medical treatment and facilities.
It is unclear what precipitated the recent upsurge in unrest, which began on October 6 and has forced thousands of residents on both sides to flee their homes.
SARTAJ AZIZ COMPLAINS TO BAN:
On October 11, Aziz addressed a letter to the UNSC Ban regarding the ceasefire violation by India. Following the recent bout of firing, Aziz had a conversation with the UNSC emphasising that the UN to implement its 1947 resolution calling for a referendum in Kashmir to determine its fate and restore peace to the region—a resolution India has long rejected.
A statement issued Sunday by the Foreign Ministry said that Aziz briefed Ban on the frequency and intensity of the unprovoked and indiscriminate firing and shelling by the Indian forces and the resulting civilian casualties, injuries and damage to property.
The adviser noted that Pakistan was fully united and determined to thwart any aggression, and had responded to India’s provocations with utmost restraint and responsibility. India should be advised to adopt a mature and reasonable approach, the advisor emphasised.
Ban reiterated his concern on the escalation of violence along the LoC and deplored the loss of lives. He emphasised the importance of both sides taking necessary steps to de-escalate the situation and resolve all outstanding issues through negotiations.
Reiterating Pakistan’s policy of good-neighbourly relations, Aziz underlined the need for early restoration of peace. He said that in the interest of durable peace in the region, there must be a way forward for resolving outstanding disputes including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, regarding which the “UN has permanent responsibility to implement its own resolutions that promised self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
The adviser noted that pacific settlement of disputes was a cardinal principle of the UN Charter to which Pakistan was deeply committed. However, progress required cooperation of both sides. Rejecting bilateral dialogue and denying international engagement and legitimacy were unhelpful and counter-productive.
Emphasising the important role of the UN to help address the situation and prevent further escalation, Aziz appreciated the work of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), noting that its role should be further strengthened to facilitate more effective monitoring and reporting of ceasefire violations.
“UN’s engagement would add to its credibility in managing crisis situations,” the adviser underlined. He said that the UN should not be inhibited by non-cooperation of one side.