Emphasis must be laid on immediate resolution of the Kashmir issue, through a plebiscite in the occupied territory
ISLAMABAD: The consensus on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s UN address on September 21 is that he effectively highlighted the Kashmir issue at the world forum. Urging the world body to prevail on India to allow its fact-finding mission to visit occupied Kashmir to corroborate the ongoing Indian atrocities against the unarmed and innocent people of that region couldn’t have been more appropriate. Denial on India’s part to grant this request of the United Nations, or for that matter, of any country, would expose India’s ill-intent and confirm the continuing Indian vandalism and brutalities in held Kashmir.
The Pakistani premier’s offer to India for talks on all bilateral issues, particularly the critical issue of Kashmir, reflects the magnanimity of Pakistan and its sincere desire to have a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with that country. However, this offer must not sidetrack the main issue of Kashmir. It is a plain fact that no peace could ever be established between the two nations until the core issue of Kashmir is resolved.
The UN world body and the United States of America and its allies must not only take immediate cognisance of the Kashmir issue but also mobilise world opinion in favour of the subjugated and battered people of occupied Kashmir. Emphasis must be laid on immediate resolution of the Kashmir issue, through a plebiscite in the occupied territory. The sooner the world community realises the truth that in the resolution of the Kashmir issue lies the establishment of peace not only between India and Pakistan, but the entire region, the better it would be for all stakeholders.
M Fazal Elahi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2016.
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