PM’s discourse with the UN

PM fulfilled his promise to highlight the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly during his speech on September 21

The Prime Minister fulfilled his promise to highlight the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly during his speech on September 21. Talking about the need to resolve this issue in a peaceful manner, the PM spoke about the human tragedy that has unfolded in Kashmir over the last several weeks. Civilians who have launched a largely peaceful protest campaign have been targeted by the Indian military. Over a hundred individuals have lost their lives while several hundred more have been injured and blinded by the pellets shot at both adults and children. He further spoke about the fact that this latest uprising has arisen due to the killing of a popular separatist leader in July who has in death become a rallying figure for Kashmiris with long-held grievances against the Indian government. Another contributing factor to violence is the heavy presence of military personnel in the region and the brutal treatment they mete out to the local population. Currently, over half a million Indian soldiers are stationed in Kashmir to regulate daily life, quash uprisings and enforce curfews which block access to basic amenities.



The issue has largely gone unnoticed in a world that is already fatigued by numerous conflicts. However, Pakistan has been making diplomatic efforts through special envoys, statements and letters. The PM’s speech at the 71^st UN General Assembly was the latest push by the Pakistani government to convince the international community to take a stance on protecting Kashmiris from further violence. Despite efforts by the Indian establishment to convert the issue into a conflict between the two neighbours, the PM stated that Pakistan does not wish to engage in arms race and desires only a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue through dialogue. He also called on the UN to make efforts to implement the Security Council’s resolutions on the matter.

The PM went on to refer to the toll of the ongoing war on terrorism on the Pakistani population. He spoke about the loss of life across the country during the past ten years in attacks perpetrated by terrorists. Pakistan’s efforts to curb all forms of such activities, including state-sponsored terrorism, were highlighted. This was an oblique reference to the recent statements issued by the US Special Representative to Pakistan and Afghanistan who spoke positively about Pakistan’s contributions to the war on terror. It may also have been in response to the bill moved in Congress by two US lawmakers well known to be Indian lobbyists to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism. Indian lobbying has in the past resulted in a cooling of the relationship between the US and Pakistan, however, the situation was on a significant upturn in recent weeks. But following the Uri attacks in which 17 Indian military personnel died, the Indian government’s strategy is to discredit Pakistan in the international community. The bill to declare Pakistan a terrorist state appears to be part of this effort. Nevertheless, as recently as last week the US showed no intention to get involved in the dispute between India and Pakistan, maintaining its position of supporting bilateral dialogue. Furthermore, in response to a question regarding Balochistan which has been repeatedly conflated by India with the Kashmir issue, the US has clarified that it supports a unified Pakistan. It is now expected that PM Modi’s speech to the UN General Assembly will be a rebuttal of Pakistan’s statements and will be an attempt to implicate Pakistan in the Uri attack. What effects both country’s efforts have on the international community’s largely neutral stance will become clear in the coming few days.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2016.

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