Shehbaz Sharif's UN Speech: India Issues Stern Warning Over Kashmir and Terrorism
Pakistan Prime Minister's Address at the UNGA
On Friday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he touched on several pressing global issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Gaza conflict, and the global climate crisis. Sharif's speech was met with a strong rebuttal from India, which warned of "inevitable consequences" due to Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism.
Focus on Kashmir and Palestine
Sharif began his address by condemning Israel's military actions in Gaza, describing the situation as a "genocidal war" and a humanitarian catastrophe. He called for an immediate end to the violence and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Drawing parallels between the Palestinian and Kashmiri struggles, Sharif criticized India for its ongoing repression in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing India of ignoring United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that call for a plebiscite to allow Kashmiris to determine their own future.
Sharif demanded that India reverse its 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and enter into a dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the issue in accordance with UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He also alleged that India's military expansion was directed against Pakistan and that the legacy of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani continues to inspire the struggle of Kashmiris.
India's Response: Warning of Consequences
India's First Secretary to the UN, Bhavika Mangalanandan, delivered a pointed rebuttal to Sharif's speech. She described Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism as a state policy that will "inevitably invite consequences." Mangalanandan criticized Pakistan for its global reputation in terrorism, narcotics trade, and transnational crime, highlighting notable terrorist incidents such as the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror groups.
Mangalanandan also accused Pakistan of human rights abuses, referencing the genocide of 1971 in Bangladesh and the persecution of minorities. She termed it "ridiculous" for Pakistan to lecture the world about intolerance given its own record. India reiterated that any discussion of a "Strategic Restraint Regime" with Pakistan is moot unless terrorism is eradicated, stating, "There can be no compact with terrorism".
Allegations of Islamophobia and Hindu Supremacy
Sharif also addressed the issue of Islamophobia, criticizing India's Hindu supremacist agenda, which he alleged seeks the subjugation of 200 million Muslims and the erasure of India's Islamic heritage. He called for international cooperation to combat Islamophobia, emphasizing that Pakistan would work with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN Secretary-General to implement a plan of action against it.
Ongoing Tensions and Future Addresses
The speech and subsequent rebuttal highlight the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over the Jammu and Kashmir issue. India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India, and has asked Pakistan to focus on its internal issues rather than raising the Kashmir issue at international forums.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to speak at the UNGA, where he is expected to address these issues further. In previous interactions, Jaishankar has slammed Pakistan's policies, stating that their actions will certainly have consequences and that Pakistan's GDP is now measured in radicalization.
In conclusion, Shehbaz Sharif's speech at the UNGA has reignited the contentious dialogue between India and Pakistan, with India issuing a stern warning over Pakistan's support for terrorism and its stance on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. The international community remains vigilant as these nations continue to navigate their complex and often volatile relationship.