“We demand an independent inquiry into the extra- judicial killings and a United Nations fact-finding mission to Kashmir so that those guilty of these atrocities are punished”, he said. Instead he pushed for an “independent inquiry” into the civilian deaths in Kashmir Valley, allegedly at the hands of Indian paramilitary forces deployed there.
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Far from referencing Uri, Sharif spoke instead of not allowing “externally sponsored terrorism and threats of destabilisation to cause turbulence in Pakistan”, and went on to talk of how Wani, a militant killed by Indian forces, has emerged as a “symbol of the latest Kashmiri intifada”.
The meeting came ahead of Sharif’s address at the UNGA on Wednesday, where he is expected to flag the Kashmir issue. Claiming that Kashmiris want freedom from India, he reminded the UNGA of its commitment to holding a free and fair Plebiscite in Kashmir.
Sharif reiterated that India’s “illegal occupation” Jammu and Kashmir should be looked into by the United Nations even as he expressed readiness for a “serious and sustained dialogue” with India for peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, especially the Jammu and Kashmir issue. If enacted, the legislation will require the US President to give congress a report detailing instances of Pakistan supporting worldwide terrorism or state unequivocally it is not. Talks are in the interest of both countries.
Meanwhile, some residents of border villages in the Pakistan-controlled portion of Kashmir said they were frightened after the Indian army hoisted red flags along the Line of Control, a sign of danger and increased tension.
“This country has a very robust bureaucratic set-up to take care of their inadequacies”, one senior army officer said, on condition of anonymity.
Pakistan is “ready for talks to agree on a bilateral nuclear test ban treaty”, he added.
“Terrorism is now a global phenomenon, which must be addressed comprehensively and in all its forms, including State terrorism”, he said as he proceeded to bash India. “This not acceptable (to Pakistan)?”
“PM Sharif at #UNGA says India poses unacceptable conditions to dialogue”.
Despite Islamabad’s strong denial of any involvement in Sunday’s attack, India’s politicians have lined up to apportion blame to Pakistan.
Pak PM earlier called Burhan Wani a young Kashmiri leader.
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Vikas Swarup, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, tweeted a series of tweets slamming Nawaz Sharif’s comments.
