Clarion call at UNGA

Pakistan pronounced an SOS at the UN General Assembly. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while invoking world conscience, called for immediate rehabilitation of the flood devastated populace of Pakistan, and pointed out that the destruction is aptly owing to climate change in which the country is, at least, not a contributor. The hard words meant business, as Pakistan is reeling under a horrendous equation of human plight with more than 35 million homeless, and nearly 1,600 deaths at the hands of deluge. The infrastructure has crumbled, and Pakistan is in need of more than $10 billion to limp back to normalcy. The 77^th session of the world body was the apt forum to highlight the tragedy and seek solace, and it was done in befitting sentiments.

The appeal is worth considering as it is related to the very survival of a country that is strategically poised. With global economic downslide, Pakistan has been one of the biggest sufferers. Its economy is in doldrums and a rising international debt is pushing it time and again to the verge of default. The UN must take cognizance of the gravity, and pour in humanitarian resources to not only address the exigency, but also help rebuild it.

Pakistan took a broad visionary picture at the UNGA, as it also called for attending to the miseries of millions of Afghans, whose rightful assets are frozen by the major powers for reasons of political blackmailing. Likewise, a dysfunctional economy in Kabul and the diaspora buildup at its frontiers threatens regional peace and security.

The PM, while underscoring the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute, once again offered to deal with India for addressing contentious issues for the sake of improved bilateralism. The onus is, nonetheless, on New Delhi to reciprocate and walk the extra few steps for de-escalating the simmering situation. Pakistan is on the spot as it has told the UNGA that sustainable peace and stability depends on solving the Kashmir imbroglio. Hope the world is listening to the clarion call from Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2022.

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