–Pakistani FM says Pakistan wants to settle all disputes with India through talks despite Indian-sponsored terrorism in country
–Warns New Delhi against any misadventure, says HRW’s report on Indian excesses in Kashmir exposes country’s real face
NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while representing Pakistan at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Saturday, highlighted India’s state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, citing the example of convicted Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav who confessed to the same.
Addressing the general debate in Urdu, the foreign minister started his speech, saying, “I address you today as the representative of a country moving towards prosperity and development.”
FM Qureshi said that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue but the Indian government has wasted an opportunity for the third time.
He said that the unresolved Kashmir dispute poses great threat to peace and stability in the region, adding that peace can never be established in South Asia unless the issue is resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions.
He said that India must stop human rights violations in the occupied valley and stop ceasefire violations at the Line of Control.
The foreign minister said that India will face a severe reaction if it attempted any misadventure against Pakistan. He said that India has been sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan and Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav was involved in planning and sponsoring terrorist activities in Pakistan on behalf of the Indian government.
The foreign minister said that the Human Rights Watch’s report on Occupied Kashmir had exposed India’s face.
“We welcome the report. It has validated Pakistan’s view. We call for the implementation on its recommendations,” he said.
“India can’t continue with the bloody mayhem on the pretext of terrorism for long. We will welcome a commission on occupied Kashmir. We hope India will do it as well,” he added.
Qureshi said Pakistan wanted to engage with “all countries and neighbours on the basis of peace and equality”.
The foreign minister said, “Today, the world is at crossroads as protectionism, populism and isolationism are gaining currency. New forms and manifestations of imperialism are appearing, and dark clouds of trade wars are looming large.”
“In these uncertain times, the global community seems desperate for leadership,” said Qureshi, adding that Pakistan will continue to “collaborate on the platforms of United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to reverse the tide of bigotry”.
“Pakistan stands ready to strengthen its partnership with UN’s family of institutions,” he asserted.
“The horrors of terrorism can only be rectified by immediate rehabilitation progress,” he added.
Qureshi, who is on an official visit to the United States (US), is expected to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday.
