The tensions between Pakistan and India are rising at an alarming rate. The main reasons contributing towards this are mainly the ceasefire violations by India across the Line of Control (LoC) and Indian sponsored terrorism in Pakistan particularly in Karachi, Baluchistan and FATA. The main issue between the two neighboring countries, however, is still the unresolved issue of Indian Occupied Kashmir.
It seems that India intends that Pakistan should accept its illegal occupation of Kashmir and abandon rightful claim of Kashmiris as per UN resolution, which Pakistan has never accepted. Amid rising tension between the two nuclear powers the 70thsession of UN General Assembly was seen by many to be of crucial importance, as it was to be the platform where Pakistan was to make its stance public. Considering the dangerous game that India is playing, its stance is against UN resolution and India continues to suppress Kashmiris. Mr. Modi’s immature politics is known to the world that it is aimed at attempting to get Pakistan under Indian hegemony at any cost. Consequently, the speech of Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was of great importance. The Prime Minister of Pakistan presented a four point peace formula listed as follows:
1. We propose Pakistan and India formalize and respect 2003 understanding of a complete ceasefire in Kashmir and LoC
2. We propose Pakistan and India reaffirm that they will not resort to the threat of force under any circumstances
3. Steps must be taken to demilitarize Kashmir
4. Agree to mutually withdraw troops from Siachen glacier.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan also highlighted Pakistan’s role in eliminating terrorism and the sacrifices made by the citizens and armed forces in this regard. He also expressed his concern over the rise in terrorism in the Middle East and over the atrocities of Israel against the people of Gaza. Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif also reminded UN General Assembly of its promise to the people of Kashmir. He reminded the General Assembly “Three generations of Kashmiris have only seen broken promises and brutal oppression. Over 100,000 have died in their struggle for self-determination.
This is the most persistent failure of the United Nations.” On the matter of Afghanistan, the Prime Minister made clear that Pakistan was in favor of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Also Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. “We have maintained the highest standards of nuclear security and have established an effective regime to ensure the safety and security of our nuclear facilities and stocks,” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif emphasized. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s speech was one of superior diplomacy and displayed maturity. By outlining these four points Pakistan shrewdly addresses the matters of concern for both the countries and provides a roadmap for a lasting peace between the two nuclear powers.
While the four points clearly highlight the interests of Pakistan, Ambassador Maliha Lodhi submitted the Dozier to Secretary General Banki Moon providing proof of Indian involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan. On the whole the speech of Prime Minister of Pakistan was very direct as it clearly highlighted the path India needed to take to maintain peace. Also, the fact that it focused on establishing peace rather than war with the neighbor, something India failed to do while responding to this speech, clearly highlights the difference in mindset and the critical state of Political maturity that India is going through.
The four points are well balanced and the only way that Pakistan will tolerate peace with India and the Modi administration would be wise to understand that the alternative of peace is not in its interest. On other hand the Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif in his visit to Germany and U.K, has also emphasized the resolution of dispute of Kashmir which is an unresolved agenda of the Parturition of India in 1947. He was very particular that Pakistan is available to discuss and resolve all issues without compromising the dignity, honor and sovereignty of Pakistan. He further added that Britain needs to play its part in eliminating terrorist financing and in uprooting terrorist communication networks. This is a significant demand as it shows Pakistan’s strengthened position and renewed confidence after Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
It also highlights that Pakistan is now in a position, having broken terrorists’ networks in Pakistan, to ask Britain to do more in terms of eliminating terrorist funding and cutting off their communication links. On matter of Afghanistan, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, reiterated that Pakistan and Afghanistan have blood ties and that Pakistan supports a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. He further warned against detractors and spoilers who seek to sabotage relations between the two countries.
ahmed sabir