United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
A tweet from a managed account of the United Nation's spokesperson tweeted that the Secretary General had landed in Pakistan.
#UNSG Ban Ki-moon has arrived in Islamabad on #Pakistan visit.
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) August 12, 2013
He arrives as tension between nuclear tipped neighbours Pakistan and India have seen tensions rise, in addition to an impending withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and mounting calls from within Pakistan against a persistent US drone programme that Pakistan claims violates international law.
Earlier, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has offered his mediation to the nuclear tipped neighbours to resolve the longstanding Kashmir issue, as tensions along its disputed border have simmered in recent weeks.
Expressing sorrow over the latest outbreak of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has underscored the need for Pakistan and India to resolve the “long-standing” issue.
“While I am saddened by the loss of lives in the course of all this conflict, I am relatively, reasonably encouraged by the recent move by both sides to engage in dialogue, to resolve their source of conflict through dialogue—that I will strongly welcome and support,” the secretary-general said in a joint interview with the UN-based local media correspondents before his departure for Islamabad as part of an official two-day visit, beginning on Tuesday.
“My offer of good office remains available. If both sides think this is useful and both sides agree, then I’ll be ready to offer my good offices,” Ban said in response to a question whether he could help leaders of India and Pakistan resolve the decades-old dispute, which is on the agenda of the UN Security Council.
But experts point out that India has consistently rebuffed offers of mediation, whether by the United Nations or any other third party, arguing that solutions must arise bilaterally.
Not only has cross border incidents across the line of control heightened tensions, violence within the Indian administered Kashmir which resulted in the imposition of a curfew which was further extended for 24 hours on Monday, has prompted concerns.
US drone strikes
Ban also urged the operating countries or any group operating armed drones to strictly adhere to the relevant provisions of international laws regulating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). He was responding to a question about the deep concern and anger in Pakistan over the continuing US drone strikes in Pakistan that have killed and injured many civilians.
“The UN really and strongly urges that all UAVs should be strictly regulated and controlled under international laws, including international humanitarian laws,” he added.
Afghanistan
Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister, said he looked forward to discussing with the newly-elected Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a number of important issues, including Afghanistan from where the United States-led forces are set to withdraw in 2014, posing a challenge because of the resulting security vaccum.
“We really hope to have closer and stronger cooperation, and the role of Pakistan in promoting peace and stability in neighbouring country—Afghanistan,” he said. “There should be a strong regional cooperation. This is why I am visiting Pakistan. It is one of our priority agendas, which I will be discussing with Prime Minister Sharif and President Zardari.”
He said he would also exchange ideas on how Pakistan could accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals—in education, poverty eradication and gender equality.
Ban, 69, described as a “good message” the first-ever transfer of power in Pakistan from a civilian government to another democratically elected government.
COMMENTS (60)
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When one of the Shia bus passenger massacres happened in Pak, as our leaders and public stayed silent, he was the one who spoke up. I hope he continues to do so further and raise the issue.
@naeem khan Manhattan,Ks:
" how many thousand has been killed and how many of their women has been raped by the Indian security forces in Kashmir in the last 10years. He should bring those atrocities to the forefront of the Security Council but really any one cares in the security council how many Kashmiri civilians has been killed in the last 10years."
Let's assume that all the horrible atrocities by the Indian security forces in Kashmir that you mention are true. If that is so bad, can you tell me why there has never been a mass movement of refugees to AJK and Pakistan from Indian Kashmir? Quite the contrary, there has been a lot of movement of people migrating from AJK/GB into Indian Kashmir.
Also, while you are calling for UN and international involvement to "help" the Kashmiris, would you also call for the involvement of the international community to help the oppressed Baloch?
@Alann: I guess there is a need to change the curriculum in Indian schools as well to make it more balanced rather than a propaganda tool
Was the SC escorted by JF17s as he Flew into Pakistan? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ So many JF17s and so few VIP Visitors.
@Blithe: Not sure why its not working.... In that case google "UN resolution 47 1948"... I just gave the first 2 results in my comment
Maybe its blocked in your country......Use some proxy server if you wish so,,,,Besides saying me as fraud wont change what is written in UN charter
Mods: Why my previous reply wasnt published??
Ban ki Moon & the Benazir Bhutto Murder Investigation conducted by the UN ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Sec Gen would do well to remind his hosts that despite the UN investigation no one has been prosecuted as yet. Speaks volumes for the Law and Order in the country.
Perhaps Mr.Moon should tell us if he will bring the plight of the Kashmir people to the Security Council, how many thousand has been killed and how many of their women has been raped by the Indian security forces in Kashmir in the last 10years. He should bring those atrocities to the forefront of the Security Council but really any one cares in the security council how many Kashmiri civilians has been killed in the last 10years.India can't blame all these killings and rapes on Pakistanis and they should be the one to be exposed in the Security Council and to the world community. Why don't they allow the wold free press to report from Kashmir and let the world know what their security forces are doing, we know better and these Indian trolls can't change the facts in Kashmir.
UN is a worthless organization which is controlled by US , does any one remembers how the Security Council passed the resolution to attack Iraq on the basis of lies and manipulations. This is all a side show by US interests, his offering for mediation does not amount to anything and Pakistanis should not fall for it. The fact is the Kashmiris should be given the chance to decide their own fate but the Security Council will never take up the case , it is a monopoly by few powers who control what they want. By the way India wants to be part of that control but there is still opposition to their membership and rightly so.If any one thinks that they are imposing hegemony over their neighbors now, wait till they get their membership in the Security Council by any chance.Any way it is a good junket for United Nations SG Mr.Moon.
@Alann: You keep harping on about Shimla.
Shimla clearly says that both sides should work together to resolve the issue as per UN resolutions.
You can't wish away the UN resolutions and the plebecite!
@1984: None of your links work.
Another case of Indian fraud!
Why is Indian occupied Kashmir under curfew!?? Stop putting the wool over the eyes.
@Babloo: Keep dreeming it's totaly the other whay around you lays can't Chang a thing.???
@ Rabbani
May he should take note of the Shia,Hazara,Ahmedi killings inside Pakistan
@Blithe: First learn to spell Kashmir
When Mr. Moon arrives in Pakistan what will Pakistan do?
The government wait for the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to confirm if Mr. Moon has in fact arrived. May be he will go to KPK a day earlier while the rest of the country waits for confirmation from KSA.
getting security council to implement its resolution will be the biggest help for kashmiri people. get them what they were promised by UN nd we are all good. Thanks Mr Ban Ki Moon.
Pakistan already has a lot of problems including Kashmir issue but I wonder why the Indian are jumping up and down if they believe they are the rightful owners of Kashmir. Indians. show some faith in UN.
@Shame: Guilt? For killing traitors and Pakistanis ?
Mr Ban: While you are there can you please ask them why they were hiding OBL in Pakistan. Then you should also constitute a UN fact finding mission into its role. This is more important to the world community as terrorism is on every persons mind.
@Truth: "Many of the mosque bombings are Shia mosques targetted by militants."
Shias and Ahmadis will meet the same fate as Hindus and Sikhs did at the time of partition. All Sunnis will unite and do the job.
I am amazed at the moderators of this website. While you can't write a word against Indians (no abuses) on any of their websites, seems you can't write here as well. What was wrong with my comment? Just telling the truth and also containing no abuses. Seems, we've to report this bias to a relevant authority.
@babloo
indian matters? i thought kashmir is an international issue and it was nehru took it to UN.
@Truth: @Alya: To those who call Alann said is Indian propaganda...Please read the original Resolution document from the UN Charter http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/47(1948) and also
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UnitedNationsSecurityCouncilResolution_47
The Truth is that you have been believing a propaganda to believe that Original solution for kashmir is an Indian propaganda!!!!
At times I feel sorry for my Pakistani friends. All through they have been misled on the garden path. Poor fellows believed everyone without ever asking any question. Heaven on Earth was promised in the form of Pakistan. Many of them lost their lives to reach this promised heaven on Earth just to face the realities later on. Many innocent young boys are promised all sorts of pleasures in heaven after Sahadat. Wish someday we have internet connection between Earth and that Heaven and get to know how they are enjoying with virgins and flowing rivers of honey. While walking on the garden paths, they lost a big India for smaller Pakistan and the life on Earth for imaginary Heaven and the virgins. Sorry part is that even today most of them don't seem to understand their follies.
China will get Kashmir in the end...then Kashmiri muslims can call themselves Chinese..Lol.Then they may remember the days,India gave them voting power,a muslim chief minister and seats in the Indian parliament. China knows how to crush rebellion.They killed a million tibetans in 1959.
Pakistanis keep on harping on UN resolutions. I pray, please tell me where do it says that part of Kashmir has to be given to China?
These comment looks like endia never want peace...
These comment looks like india never want peace...
@Alya: Your entire post consists of refusing to adhere to the UN resolutions of 1948 (which you have apparently not read or understood), and yet continue to harp on. Strange pastime. The UN resolution requires ONLY Pakistan to withdraw its army from Kashmir - India does not have to withdraw its army. Since this has not happened and the situation on the ground has changed irrevocably (PoK is now full of Punjabis), the UN resolutions have no locus standi anymore. To all who complain about Indian propaganda, pls read the UN resolution carefully. Also read up on Operation Gibraltar and why it failed. You may also want to read up on how these 700k troops landed up in Kashmir, when before 1989, there were hardly 100k. The unvarnished truth - India always thought that Kashmir, as a muslim majority state, would go with Pakistan, which is why unlike Hyderabad or Junagadh, the Indian army never tried to unseat the ruling authority and absorb Kashmir by force. Pakistan forced India's hand, and the results before you are set in stone; meanwhile you have frittered away your present in the unrealistic hope of an impossible future.
No thanks......I know pakistan has no size to claim kashmir.......Mark my words........Kashmir will forever remain part of India....for next 100000 years...dont know what will be map of neighbouring country after 2014
@Alya: "Pakistan never refused to withdraw troops, it said there should be a mutual withdrawal of troops at proportionally equivalent rates. "
Well that is not what the UN resolution said. The UN resolution talked about unilateral withdrawal of Pakistani forcs which it refused to comply with.
@ Alann
The refugees in boats near Australia are the minority Shia/Hazara etc communities. Pakistanis are Sunni majority.They consider Shia 'kafir' and the Shias are prosecuted.Many of the mosque bombings are Shia mosques targetted by militants.
Don't forget your aggression against Hyderabad and Junagargh.
Dear Ban, Thanks but no thanks. We do not want any mediation in the issue of Kashmir. We will deal with Pakistan bilaterally. Don't try to poke your nose into India's internal matters. Regards
Not only has cross border incidents across the line of control heightened tensions, violence within the Indian administered Kashmir which resulted in the imposition of a curfew which was further extended for 24 hours on Monday, has prompted concerns. India is a democratic country and hence all the happenings in J&K appear in newspapers in India. But I do not see any news items from Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. Why? I leave it to your imagination.
Alann: As a Kashmiri myself I must tell you that what you are saying about Pakistanis settling in kashmir is a blunt lie and same goes for purchase of property. Pakistan is a blessing when I see what you are doing in occupied Kashmir.
Asif Butt: "It has been cleverly weakening Pakistan and waiting for the day when the global terrorists knock Pakistan down so that it may cherish over attacking the un-conscious Tiger."
Most of the young ill-informed Pakistanis call India the land of Hindus. Do you think India will hire the "Islamists" living inside Pakistan to do bomb blasts every day in Pakistan? Will India not send "hindu terrorists" to destabilise Pakistan, instead of Pakistan's own radicalised Muslims? If India has to attack Pakistan, you would either be dead right now or in the US cursing India (as always) or on some refugee boat somewhere near Australia (just like most of your Pakistani Muslim brethen).
Lastly, if India is causing daily bomb blasts in WHOLE of Pakistan, what is your army doing? "Protecting Pakistan's borders from India"? Or busy buying corner plots in Karachi/Lahore, and billion dollar properties in the UK? How long are you going to remain a fool? Every country today laughs at Pakistan, including "all-weather friend" China. Calling Today's Pakistan a Tiger is an insult to tigers.
Alann: All of your post is Indian propaganda. Pakistan never refused to withdraw troops, it said there should be a mutual withdrawal of troops at proportionally equivalent rates. And Kashmiris own large properties all over Pakistan so that point is irrelevant. The Shimla accords never abrogated the UN resolution (which is why UNMOGIP keeps operating there) and India itself broke that agreement by occupying Siachen. Indian troops were already in Kashmir long before the accession and in fact India had made it clear that the accession was only a provisional fix and ultimately the matter was to be decided by a plebiscite.
Do you really think Pakistanis can't refute your arguments that we have heard countless times before? India will never allow a UN solution because it is the one whose case is so weak it can only rely on aggression and fraud to maintain its case.
@Alann: Please correct your record , When India sent their forces to Kashmir then Qaid-e-Azam ordered army to sent Pakistani troops to Kashmir but unfortunately that time Pakistan army head was British and he refused to accept this order and that was the reason why India occupied Kashmir and regarding taking help from India , please read the name of King , did he accepted to be part of Muslim country ? use your imagination.
India is deliberately create war-like situation in the South Asia. UN chief had better taken note of killings in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
@Malik @Shame
From India's standpoint, resolution is clear.
The king of Kashmir and the elected leader of Kashmiri muslims ( whose stature for Kashmiri muslims exceeded the stature of Mr Jinnah for Pakistani muslims in 1947 ) , Sheikh Abdullah, both endorsed merger of J&K , with India in 1950 following attack on J&K by Pakistan.
That merger is in-dissoluble. What remains unresolved is Gilgit and Baltistan under Pakistan control.
Wasn't it India that ran to UN to stop Pakistan from making further advances in Kashmir? Offcourse, Mr. Ban Ki Moon you have all the binding in the world to get this issue resolved. And for you Mr. Babloo:
"The question of the future status of Kashmir vis-à-vis her neighbors and the world at large and a further question, namely, whether she would withdraw from her accession to India and either accede to Pakistan or remain Independent, with a right to claim admission as a Member of United Nations- all this we have recognized to be a matter for unfettered decision by the people of Kashmir, after normal life is restored to them." (Indian representative Gopalaswami Ayyanger, "United Nations Security Council Official Records", 227th Meeting, January 15, 1948)
UN knows the core issues right from 1947 since the independence of Pakistan and India.
There have been three wars between Pakistan and India. Pakistan have been cut into half.
What UN did for Pakistan?
And UN will do now? Nothing.
Pakistan and India are moving towards "FLASH POINT".
Even after the "FLASH", what UN can do?
Again nothing.
0+0=0
UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon should urge India to ensure the deployment of UN Military Observer Group on the Indian side of the border. I guess India will never want UN to conduct an inquiry of the LoC incident.
"But experts point out that India has consistently rebuffed offers of mediation, whether by the United Nations or any other third party, arguing that solutions must arise bilaterally." India's stance changed after Pakistan didn't follow its commitment to UN over removal of Pakistani forces from "occupied" Kashmir. Not only that, Pakistan also broke the clause of the UN resolution by letting Punjabis buy land in Kashmir region, long time ago. Even today, India has not allowed any individual from any other part of its vast country from acquiring any property or letting anyone reside in J&K, except for the original inhabitants. Furthermore, since Pakistan failed to honour their part of commitment, India and Pakistan went into a completely new treaty in the form of Simla Agreement of 1972, which said the solution with regards to Kashmir would/should be taken bilaterally between the two countries. Thats exactly what the above line in the article says and that is still the Indian stance. Two points: 1)If Pakistan had not tried to forcefully acquire princely state of Kashmir by sending in army in the guise of militants, Kashmir's King Hari Singh would not have approached India for security and today Kashmir might have been a peaceful part of Pakistan. 2)If Pakistan had not dishonoured its part with regards to Kashmir and if it had not settled people from across Pakistan inside PoK, India changed its stance with regards to the UN resolution of holding plebiscite and also owing to the new agreement of 1972 PLUS the legal accession papers signed by Hari Singh to India, India now claims WHOLE of J&K as its own.
I do hope ET publishes this comment and I do hope Pakistanis read what I have written with a calm mind before jumping to (usual) conclusions that "India does not want UN to intervene so it can continue its terrorisation of innocent Kashmiris".
@Babloo: Your comment mirrors your guilt of murdering innocents for decades!
Ban him from India
@Babloo: Thats the attitude bubloo the great that does not help resolve the dispute - India does not agree to comply with the UN resolutions that proves that India is not serious about a resolve - so lets deal with LOC issues and killing each other and this will run forever putting both the countries and the whole region in danger.
Thanks, But No Thanks, Sir. There are far more critical issues in this world where you good offices may prove to be much more effective. We would request you to expend your energy there. India and Pakistan have the Simla agreement under which to resolve their disputes.
Dear UN ,
India does not want peace. It wants to show the world that its a super power at the expense of Pakistan.
It has been cleverly weakening Pakistan and waiting for the day when the global terrorists knock Pakistan down so that it may cherish over attacking the un-conscious Tiger.
And Indians can never even dream of talking about Kashmir. It is a "Maha-Paap" in their eyes.
So let them carry on with their pattern of pretending to work for peace and using dramatized incidents to further their old policy to de-stabilize Pakistan.
Besides , who believes in the UN anymore ?
Anyone out there who think the UN is of any worth/effect ?
.....
Secretary General, it's your job to ensure UN Resolutions are enforced.
Please get to it!
Plebecite is enshrined for the people of Kadhmir , as per UN Resolutions.
“My offer of good office remains available. If both sides think this is useful and both sides agree, then I’ll be ready to offer my good offices,”
This statement is for all those who still harp on UN resolution of 1948.
Ban moon of Korea should focus on resolving the conflict between North and South Korea and not interfere in Indian matters. Of course he can ask Pakistan to vacate PoK.