Shehbaz Sharif Raises Kashmir Issue at UNGA, S. Jaishankar to Respond
At the UNGA, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated calls for India to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue, demanding the reversal of August 2019’s Article 370 abrogation. He linked the struggles of Kashmiris for self-determination to those of Palestinians, while also expressing concerns over Islamophobia in India. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to respond to these allegations shortly.
During the recent session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again placed the Kashmir issue at the forefront of his address. He urged India to initiate a dialogue for the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, emphasizing the need for India to reverse the Abrogation of Article 370, which he described as a unilateral and illegal action. In his extensive speech, Sharif drew parallels between the struggles of Kashmiris and those of Palestinians for self-determination, highlighting the ongoing “brutal coercion and oppression” faced by people in the region. He expressed that the legacy of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani continues to inspire the Kashmiri people in their quest for freedom. Additionally, he raised concerns over what he termed a troubling escalation of Islamophobia within India, alleging that it reflects a broader Hindu supremacist agenda that threatens the rights of the nation’s Muslim population. In response, India is expected to deliver a robust rebuttal during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s upcoming address at the UNGA. This continued focus on Kashmir by Pakistan at various international platforms reflects the long-standing tensions that have escalated notably since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
The conflict over Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan is rooted in historical territorial disputes that date back to 1947, when the two nations gained independence from British rule. The revocation of Article 370 by the Indian government in August 2019 altered the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to heightened tensions and a resurgence of discussions regarding the region at international forums. Both nations have made numerous claims over the territory, and Pakistan has consistently sought to internationalize the Kashmir issue, framing it as a matter of human rights and self-determination. The UN Security Council resolutions call for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir, yet New Delhi maintains that it regards the region as an integral part of India.
Pakistan’s continued emphasis on the Kashmir issue at the UNGA, as articulated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscores the persistent tensions between the two nations. Sharif’s call for India to engage in dialogue and reverse its previous decisions reflects Pakistan’s ongoing strategy to invoke international attention towards the Kashmir conflict. Meanwhile, India remains steadfast in its position, asserting that Kashmir is an inseparable part of its territory and urging Pakistan to focus on internal matters instead of perpetuating claims against New Delhi. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely for developments regarding diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
