Nawaz gives UN chief dossier on Indian human rights violations in held Kashmir
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| PM Nawaz Sharif hands over dossier of Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir to UN Chief. — PID |
The PM apprised Ban of the plight of the Kashmiri people who he said are victims of Indian brutality in the region which have continued unabated since the July 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani which sparked violent protests and clashes with Indian forces despite repeated imposition of curfews in IHK.
PM Nawaz told the UN chief that human rights violations by India in IHK have resulted in over 100 deaths and thousands of injuries over the past 74 days.
The indiscriminate use of pellet guns which have blinded hundreds, including women and children, is reflective of the barbaric mindset of Indian security forces, Nawaz said.
India also continues to resort to repressive measures such as curfews, incarceration of Kashmiri leaders and denial of medical treatment to the injured, especially those blinded and poisoned by pellet gunfire, Nawaz told the UN chief.
The dossier which was handed over to Ban Ki-moon contained photographic evidence of Kashmiri victims of pellet guns used by Indian forces in IHK. The UN secretary general expressed shock over the photos.
PM Nawaz emphasised that India must be urged to abide by UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir and also reiterated his demand of an independent inquiry into extra-judicial killings, demanding a UN fact-finding mission be sent to investigate the situation in IHK.
The PM thanked the UN chief for his strong and supportive statements on the situation in Kashmir, and Ban praised Pakistan for its prominent and active role in the United Nations and its contribution for peace and security.
The PM's meeting with the UN secretary general comes after the premier addressed the UN General Assembly in New York City.
Nawaz at the UNGA said Pakistan wants peace with India but maintained it is "not possible without resolving the Kashmir issue".
“This indigenous uprising of the Kashmiris has been met, as usual, with brutal repression by India's occupation force of over half a million soldiers," said Nawaz.
The prime minister demanded an investigation into atrocities committed by Indian forces in IHK and also urged the UN to demilitarise Jammu and Kashmir.
In this regard, the prime minister called for steps by the United Nations to undertake consultations with India, Pakistan and the true representatives of the Kashmiri people to implement the resolutions of the Security Council.
"Pakistan is not interested in an arms race with India," said Nawaz.
Nawaz agrees to Iran visit after meeting Rouhani
PM Nawaz also met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the UNGA on Wednesday and apprised him of Indian brutalities in held Kashmir.
The Kashmiri people are victims of heinous acts of state-sponsored terrorism at the hands of Indian forces, Nawaz said, adding that the situation in the valley remains tense in the wake of the uprising after Wani's death.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory in Pak-Iran bilateral ties. Rouhani said there is a need for defence cooperation between the two countries, as they have a history of cooperation in this regard. Pakistan's security is security of Iran, he said.
The Iranian president also lauded the PM's vision which translated the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into reality, and expressed his desire to be a part of the CPEC.
Connectivity projects were recognised by both countries' leaders as vital to the progress of the region.
Rouhani said Iran considers Pakistan’s economic development as its own development. Both sides discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the field of energy, especially oil, gas and electricity.
They noted that progress on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and electricity import from Iran would help Pakistan overcome its energy shortages in the coming years.
The prime minister also stressed the need to build unity and cohesion within the Muslim world, particularly at a time of turmoil.
Rouhani extended an invitation to Iran to the prime minister. Nawaz accepted the invitation and said that he would visit Tehran soon.
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