At the UNGA, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for dialogue over the Kashmir issue, urging India to reverse Article 370’s abrogation. He expressed concerns over Islamophobia in India and highlighted the struggles of Kashmiris. India is set to respond to these claims, emphasizing its stance on the region’s status.
At the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for dialogue regarding the Kashmir issue, asserting that India should reverse the abrogation of Article 370 for lasting peace. He urged that a peaceful resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the sentiments of the Kashmiri people is necessary. In his speech, Sharif referenced the legacy of Burhan Wani, a former leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen, highlighting the ongoing struggles of Kashmiris against what he termed Indian oppression. Sharif also drew parallels between the plight of Kashmiris and Palestinians, stating, “Similarly, like the people of Palestine, the people of Jammu and Kashmir too, have struggled for a century for their freedom and right to self-determination.” He criticized India for allegedly deviating from its commitments to implementing Security Council resolutions regarding Kashmir, which call for a plebiscite to enable self-determination for the region’s inhabitants. In addition, Sharif claimed that Muslims in India face systemic discrimination and highlighted the issue of rising Islamophobia, labeling India’s policies as indicative of a Hindu supremacist agenda that threatens the rights of the 200 million Muslim population. Responding to these allegations, India will issue a Right of Reply, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar scheduled to address the assembly and refute Sharif’s claims. India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, are integral parts of the nation and has urged Pakistan to focus on its internal challenges rather than raise the Kashmir issue at international forums.
The Kashmir issue has been a longstanding point of contention between India and Pakistan since the partition of British India in 1947. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir, tensions escalated. Pakistan has since regularly brought this matter before international platforms, most notably the UNGA, where it seeks to garner support for its stance on Kashmir and highlight alleged human rights violations. India, on the other hand, emphasizes its sovereignty over the region and accuses Pakistan of diverting attention from its domestic issues.
In conclusion, Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the UNGA underscored Pakistan’s ongoing insistence on international mediation over the Kashmir issue, reiterating calls for reversing India’s Article 370 decision. His comments on the rights of Muslims in India reflect broader concerns regarding religious discrimination. With India poised to officially respond through its foreign minister, the discourse between the two nations continues to be marked by deep-seated tensions and contrasting narratives.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
