“It is my government’s aspiration and effort to build a peaceful neighborhood by pursuing a policy of constructive engagement,” said Nawaz Sharif in his address to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Friday evening.
Terming the cancelled meeting a "missed opportunity" to resolve conflicts, Nawaz said, “We have a choice today: continue with the status quo or to seize the moment to resolve all outstanding issues and free up our shared energies for cooperation. To take this course of high statesmanship, we need more, not less, dialogue and diplomacy.”
Expressing his disappointment at the cancellation of Secretary level talks, Nawaz said, “The world community, too, rightly saw it as another missed opportunity.”
He reiterated the refrain of resolving disputes through dialogues and building ties through stronger economic and trade relations.
“Pakistan is convinced that we must remain engaged in the dialogue process for settling disputes and building economic and trade relations. Let us not ignore the dividends of peace,” he added.
Commenting on the long standing issue between India and Pakistan, the premier said, “More than six decades ago, the United Nations passed resolutions to hold a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are still waiting for the fulfillment of that promise.”
Calling on the international community to play its role in the resolution of the Kashmir issue, Nawaz said, “We cannot draw a veil on the issue of Kashmir, until it is addressed in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
“Pakistan is ready to work for resolution of this problem through negotiations. Our support and advocacy of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is our historic commitment and a duty, as a party to the Kashmir dispute.”
Terrorism
Condemning the terrorism in all its form and manifestations, Nawaz said Pakistan is fighting terrorism planted on its soil and Pakistani security forces personnel, with the support of entire nation, “are laying down their lives to take out terrorists and tear down their evil networks.”
Recalling the sacrifices that Pakistan has made in past thirteen as a frontline state in fight against terrorism, he said, “Over 50,000 people have lost their lives and thousands have suffered serious injuries. Our economy has lost hundreds of billions of dollars in direct costs and denied investment opportunities.”
The plan of action for the relief and rehabilitation of nearly one million internally dislocated persons includes a strategy to prevent return and resurgence of militancy and creation of a safe environment for the local population, he added.
Elaborating Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate the menace of terrorism, Nawaz said Pakistan has launched a massive operation to eliminate terrorism. “Complementary counter-terrorism measures on the Afghan side of the border are essential to achieve optimal results,” said Nawaz.
Nuclear deterrence
Reiterating Pakistan’s support for the objectives of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, the prime minister said Pakistan pursue a policy of nuclear restraint and credible minimum deterrence.
Nawaz made it clear that it was not participating in any arms race in the region, however, Pakistan cannot remain oblivious to emerging security scenarios and buildup of armaments elsewhere in the region which obligates them to maintain a robust and reliable deterrence.
Reiterating the need for an inter-linked mechanism for pursuing nuclear restraints, conventional equilibrium and conflict resolution, he said, “To promote stability, we are prepared to explore new Confidence Building Measures.”
Referring to the recently held Nuclear summit at The Hague where Pakistan’s recent nuclear measures, especially the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, were appreciated, he claimed that although Pakistan is not a part of nuclear export regimes, it was following all export control system fully harmonised with international export control regimes.
“Pakistan ought to be a part of these export control regimes, especially the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Pakistan also qualifies for full access to civil nuclear technology, to overcome its energy shortages and spur economic growth.”
Afghanistan
Congratulating Afghanistan over the successful completion of the electoral process, the premier said, “As always, Pakistan stands in solidarity with the fraternal Afghan people.”
Expressing hope that electoral transition would culminate in the emergence of a stronger, more stable, and unified Afghanistan, he said, “We also hope that the process of inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation would move forward, contributing to greater harmony, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.”
He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to forge a deeper bilateral relationship with Afghanistan on the basis of equal security and shared prosperity. “Our two nations confront common challenges, which call for greater cooperation and understanding between our two nations,” said Nawaz.
The premier urged international community to maintain and enhance the support for the repatriation of millions of Afghan refugees.
Calling for the constructive and serious dialogue among religions to promote understanding, tolerance and harmony, the premier said that inter-racial tensions and defamation of religions provide fertile ground for conflict. We remain committed to the UN-led efforts to support these objectives.
Gaza crisis
Terming the Israeli atrocities in Gaza as genocide of Palestianians, Nawaz said, “We condemned the indiscriminate killings of civilians – which amounted to genocide.” He conveyed Pakistan’s condolences and sympathies to the people of Palestine over their continuing plight.
Welcoming the ceasefire between Gaza and Israel, Nawaz called for the end of blockade of Gaza, release of Palestinian prisoners and halting of illegal settlements by Israel. The United Nations should facilitate a just and lasting solution of the Palestinian issue, based on the relevant UN resolutions, he added.
Middle East
“We call on all parties in Syria to renounce military and militant means and hold dialogue to restore peace and stability in their historic land,” said Nawaz Sharif.
Commenting on the emergence of Islamic State, he said that the emergence of new militant entities in the Middle East once again illustrate that terrorism is a global threat. “This primitive force in Iraq and Syria is an aberration, which has no sanction of any religion. It must be countered with unified and resolute will,” he added.
Nawaz urges UN to address root causes of conflicts
Earlier, while addressing the United Nations (UN) Peace Summit on Friday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif urged UN to address the root causes to prevent conflicts for ensuring sustainable peace in the world, Radio Pakistan reported.
Emphasising on the need for strengthening nexus between peacekeeping and peace building and initiating early mission assessment and planning to ensure coherence, Nawaz said all stakeholders including peace contributors and those making financial contributions should be consulted to ensure effective implementation of the peacekeeping missions.
The premier called for enhancing safety and security of peacekeepers and ensuring professional excellence through deployment of peacekeepers that are committed, well trained, disciplined and well equipped.
Recalling that in response to UN Secretary-General's appeal to nations to contribute troops in the Central African Republic, Pakistan responded positively, he said Pakistan contributed 1,015 troops to help being stability in the strife torn country.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to serve the cause of peace if situations like that of Central African Republic arise in future, prime minister said Pakistan's role in peace keeping is deeply rooted in its enduring faith in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Protests
On the occasion of under-fire Prime Minister Nawaz’s speech at the UN General Assembly’s 69th session, a group Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters demonstrated against his regime outside UN headquarters.
PTI supporters protest against Nawaz Sharif outside the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday. PHOTO: AFP
UN mistakenly refers to Nawaz as 'His Highness'
UN officials too seem to have been swayed by the protests against Nawaz Sharif and could not figure out whether he is the prime minister of Pakistan or a monarch. The UN website mistakenly listed him as “His Highness Muhammad Nawaz Sharif” on their official programme. The mistake, however, was soon rectified.
COMMENTS (26)
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Who told you to talk to separatists leaders when you were specifically asked by India not to do so?
I don't know what to say Mian. Probably, I'll grab a bucket of popcorn and read all the comments.
Nawaz's whole premiership is a missed opportunity. It's one bungled job after another. Like the Three Stooges are in charge. Nawaz, Shahbaz, and Nisar.
The title of this report should have had a reference to NS's address to the UNGA. Something like this: "Nawaz addresses the General Assembly."
Unfortunately our freedom struggle has not been highlighted to the world community.
Nawz Sharif said: “We also hope that the process of inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation would move forward,.................."
Looking at what is happening in Pakistan now, the Afghans may be advocating for a Pakistani-led, Pakistani-owned government in Pakistan.
He was just reading unwillingly some papers and it can be seen from his face expression. Who call this speech.
Mr.Sharif must have lost portion of the speech that was written over 60 years ago with additional gripes added every few years - he completely forgot two staples in any official speech/statement from Pakistan ;
'We demand civil nuclear energy deal Just like what India received' and 'Pakistan objects drone strikes since it violates their sovereignty and is counterproductive'Oh, well, may be next time.
A true statesman . Well done , PM Nawaz Sharif!
@Neo Well people are definitely laughing at you. It is amazing that some of you are so down that you will like to make up any thing and every thing that can give you a respite. Sure carry on.
RoImranRoI was seeing the speech and there were so many empty seats. And also Mr nawaz was speaking as if he himself was interested in speaking, and that someone forced him to read.
"“Pakistan is ready to work for resolution of this problem through negotiations. Our support and advocacy of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is our historic commitment and a duty, as a party to the Kashmir dispute.”
Such words on the floor of UN prove that Pakistanis never read the UN resolutions on Kashmir. Mr Prime Minister, please read the resolutions before you read this very speech again next year ( if you are still around as PM). No wonder no one takes your speech seriously.
While Nawaz spoke his heart out for the resolution of Kashmir, Imran, Qadri, Musharraf supporters chanted No, No
Well done for highlighting Kashmir and not chickening out
why to worry......you still have your separatist friends to talk......
Good speech. Why are PTI collaborating with Indians here?
I finally understood that "Go Nawaz Go" is not an encouraging cheer but what the heck does "No Nawaz No" mean?
I remember a dialogue in a Bollywood movie: doodh mangoge tho kheer deenge , kashmir mangoge tho cheer denge
If an average guy wants something and he doesn't get it, he tries harder to get it, there will a time where he will move forward.
God knows, that everybody who will read this has done this at one point or another.
But, add a bit of Ego into it, make it a question of ghairat, even after 67 years and 4 lost wars, 50% of territory lost, an entire generation lost to radicalism the obsession continues.
Pakistan is poor, polio is spreading, there was a Terror attack just yesterday, Radicalization is eating up the soul of the society.
Rather than requesting the world to help it resolve the above issues, PM of Pakistan rakes up a dead end topic in UN(which ironically the UN Resolutions require Pakistan to move its troops out of Kashmir) which has not moved an inch since Jinnah marched his tribal troops to Kashmir in 1948. More or less the status quo remains the same.
Nice to see PM of Pakistan has his priorities straight. He knows what he wants, even if he will never get it in his lifetime.
Stubborn Nawaz has no credibility the world knows he doesn't represent anyone. Leave everything else just do vote audit.
Misplaced priority. Bring Pak army under civilian control, shut down terrorists camps, give 'real' education to the masses, try to govern the country. You guys are the laughing stock of the entire world now. Whatever you speak, it will not command any respect whatsoever.
@Imran Mehmood:
Your last statement ".The root causes everywhere is the extremism in Islam!" is very true , at least he said the truth.
After Nawzaz Sharif's this speech in UNGA , other countries representative laughed for an hour.
I think the people there must have fallen asleep to hear to this broken record from our successive PMs. Not an inch has changed in last 60 years, will will ever change in future. We have failed to keep promises as mentioned in UN resolution, and have no face to ask india to do anything. While india goes to mars, we are still sticking to and old dead issue..
This speech is against Islam. Nawaz Sharif said : "the root causes needs to be addressed to prevent conflicts" ........The root causes everywhere is the extremism in Islam!
Go Nawaz Go