By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for immediate UN action to end bloodshed in Palestine and Kashmir, condemning Israel’s “systematic slaughter” of Palestinians and India’s human rights abuses.
“In Palestine… we witness the tragedy unfolding…this is not just a conflict; this is systematic slaughter, of innocent people; an assault on the very essence of human life and dignity,” Sharif told the UN General Assembly. “The blood of Gaza’s children stains the hands of not just the oppressors, but also of those complicit in prolonging this cruel conflict.”
He criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“Can we, as human beings, remain silent, while children lie buried under the rubble of their shattered homes? Can we turn a blind eye to the mothers cradling the lifeless bodies of their children?” Sharif asked.
Sharif called for immediate action to halt the bloodshed and suffering of innocent Palestinians, saying indifference undermines humanity.
“When we ignore their endless suffering, we diminish our own humanity,” Sharif said. “It is not enough to condemn; we must act now and demand an immediate end to this bloodshed.”
Gaza health authorities list more than 41,000 Palestinians confirmed killed in Israel’s air and ground assault, launched after Hamas fighters attacked Israeli towns on Oct. 7 last year, killing 1,200 people and capturing around 250 hostages. Israel’s airstrikes in recent days in Lebanon have killed hundreds of people and heightened fears of a regional war.
“In a span of a few days, Israel’s unrelenting bombing of Lebanon, has killed over 500 people, including women, and even small children,” Sharif told the UNGA.
“The failure to implement UN resolutions has emboldened Israel. It threatens to drag the entire Middle East into a war, whose consequences could be grave and beyond imagination.”
Sharif demanded Israel’s compliance with UN resolutions and a Two-State solution.
“We must work for a durable peace through the Two-State solution. We must seek a viable, secure, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its eternal capital,” the premier said. “And, to advance these goals, Palestine must also be immediately admitted, as a full member of the United Nations.”
Sharif also lamented that UN Security Council Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir had not been implemented. The Council has adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the dispute between India and Pakistan over the region, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the future of the mostly Muslim Kashmir.
PM Sharif denounced India’s actions in occupied Kashmir, saying New Delhi had reneged on its commitment to implement UN Security Council resolutions.
“India’s policy of brutal coercion and oppression in occupied Kashmir has ensured that Burhan Wani’s legacy continues to inspire the struggle and sacrifices of millions of Kashmiris,” Sharif added. “Instead of moving towards peace, India has resigned from its commitments to implement Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.”
He criticized India’s unilateral and illegal steps since August 5, 2019, including deploying 900,000 troops and imposing draconian measures.
In August 2019, India stripped the part of Kashmir it administers of its special status, blocked the right of the state to frame its own laws and allowed non-residents to buy property there. Telephone lines, Internet and television networks were blocked and there were heavy restrictions on movement and assembly.
“India must reverse the unilateral and illegal measures it has taken since 5 August 2019, and enter into a dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.”
Sharif also expressed concern over India’s military expansion and doctrines, which he said envision a surprise attack and limited war under the nuclear overhang.
“Its war doctrines, envisage a surprise attack and a ‘limited war under the nuclear overhang’. Thoughtlessly, India has spurned Pakistan’s proposals for a mutual “Strategic Restraint Regime”. Its leadership has often threatened to cross the Line of Control and “take-over” Azad Kashmir. Let me state in no uncertain terms that Pakistan will respond most decisively to any Indian aggression.”
The prime minister called for a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Copyright © 2021 Independent Pakistan | All rights reserved
