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UNITED NATIONS Expressing “grave concern” over prevailing conditions in Indian-held Kashmir, Pakistan said on Tuesday that It is willing to engage India in a comprehensive dialogue to normalise relations between the two countries by finding amicable solutions to all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.
“A peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions taking into account the aspirations of the Kashmiri people would create conducive atmosphere for durable peace and stability in the South Asian region,” Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told the 192 member UN General Assembly during the general debate.
“The Jammu and Kashmir dispute is about the exercise of the right to self-determination by the Kashmiri people through a free, fair and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices,” he said.
Over the past two months, more than 100 Kashmiris have been killed by the Indian security forces in Kashmir.
In a comprehensive speech covering a wide range of issues, from the devastating floods which affected almost all of the country, to Palestine, climate change, Security Council reforms, gender equality and terrorism, Mr Qureshi spoke about country's efforts to recover economically.
Describing the recent floods as being the worst in living memory which left thousands dead and destroyed crops and infrastructure, Mr Qureshi said “We are determined to build back a better and vibrant Pakistan; and to do so in a transparent and accountable manner. The resilience of our people should enable us to achieve this objective.”
