United Nations, Sep 27 Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, who has been isolated globally for trying to raise the Kashmir issue, in a fiery speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, accused India of preparing for a “limited war” and threatened a decisive response.
Sharif claimed that India was preparing for a limited war through a surprise attack and nuclear strike to capture parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
He called it an imaginary threat to draw attention to Pakistan’s narrative on the Kashmir issue. “I want to say in clear terms that Pakistan will respond to any Indian attack in the most decisive manner,” the Pakistani Prime Minister said.
This is an ominous sign considering the horrors of three wars with Pakistan, including the Kargil war.
Sharif stressed that “India has thoughtlessly rejected Pakistan’s offers of reciprocal, strategic, restrained governance” and “its leadership has frequently threatened to cross the Line of Control” and occupy territories it has occupied.
Sharif laid down the condition of reversal of the changes made in relation to Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 for starting the dialogue.
On the other hand, India wants Pakistan to stop supporting cross-border terrorism before starting the dialogue.
Sharif said, “To ensure lasting peace, India must withdraw the unilateral and illegal measures taken since 5 August 2019 and start negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.”
However, in reality, according to Security Council Resolution 47 adopted on 21 April 1948, the Pakistan government must first withdraw all its troops and infiltrators from Jammu and Kashmir.
That resolution also said Islamabad would not fund or arm militants who continue to carry out attacks in Kashmir, a demand Pakistan ignores.
None of the world leaders who have spoken so far have even mentioned Kashmir – not even Turkey, which made a passing reference last year.
Feeling isolated, Sharif sought to link the Kashmir issue with Palestine, which has the world’s attention.
“Like the people of Palestine, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have also struggled for a century for their freedom and right to self-determination,” he said.
Sharif also spoke about the “90,000” Indian troops deployed in Kashmir, alleging human rights violations and attempts to reduce Muslims to a minority.
