Weakened by two fierce political opponents and the army in Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's United Nations speech was to address his domestic audience, reports Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com in New York.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations on Friday, September 26.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, he 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 fulfilment of that promise.";
"Many generations of Kashmiris have lived their lives under occupation, accompanied by violence and abuse of their fundamental rights. Kashmiri women, in particular, have undergone immense suffering and humiliation," Sharif alleged in his speech.
It has become a ritual for Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN. Since India took a tough stand against Kashmiri separatist leaders patronised by Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit in New Delhi, it was expected that Sharif would mention the K word at the UN.
In spite of winning an electoral mandate Sharif has not been able to get a grip on his country. He has been weakened by two opponents -- Imran Khan and Maulvi Tahir Qadri. His government has surrendered the space to the army in recent times. Under these circumstances Sharif spoke at the UN to address his domestic audience.
Sharif reminded his audience that "For decades, attempts have been made, both under UN auspices and bilaterally in the spirit of the Lahore Declaration, to resolve this (Kashmir) dispute. The core issue of Jammu and Kashmir has to be resolved. This is the responsibility of the international community. 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."
Sharif spoke a little more than usual on Kashmir, but his speech lacked any new points.
"Pakistan is ready to work for resolution of this problem through negotiations. Our support and advocacy of the right to the self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is our historic commitment and a duty, as a party to the Kashmir dispute," he said.
Sharif's speech coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in the United States.
Ejaz Haider, a Pakistan-based journalist tweeted, 'Indian #PM has 35 meetings in the u.s., incl dinner with #Obama, meetings with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies etc; what's #Sharif going for?'
Another tweet said, '#Modi also has 3 bilaterals with leaders of b'desh/SL/Nepal; meeting with UN Sec Gen & the Clintons. he has reason to go. #Sharif doesn't.'
