Nawaz Sharif Supported Kashmiris Undeterred In All Tenures

ISLAMABAD (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th july, 2016) : Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had extended continued and unflinching support to Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination and raised the issue at all international forums during his three tenures in the government. Whether it was United Nations General Assembly, Organization of Islamic Cooperation or any other regional or international forum, the Prime Minister had been pleading the just cause of Kashmiri people for cessation of Indian brutalities and giving them the right to decide their future. There are glaring examples of commitment and dedication manifested through the words of the Prime Minister who have always been persuading the international community to resolve the Kashmir issue and fulfill their commitment for implementation of the UN resolutions. Like his past two tenures as Prime Minister, in his present tenure he also tried to jolt the international conscience when he stated at United Nations, "more than six decades ago the UN passed resolutions to hold plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir and the people of Jammu and Kashmir are still waiting the fulfillment of that promise.

Many generations of Kashmiris have lived their lives under Indian occupation accompanied by violence and abuse of their fundamental rights. Kashmiri women in particular have suffered immensely." He said that for decades attempts have been made under the UN auspices and bilaterally in the spirit of Lahore Declaration to resolve this dispute.

The core issue of Jammu and Kashmir has to be resolved and it is responsibility of the international community. "We cannot draw a veil on the Kashmir issue unless it is resolved according to wishes of Kashmiri people." On another occasion, the Prime Minister had said, India has occupied the Kashmir with use of force and Pakistan will continue moral, diplomatic and political support of their struggle for right to self-determination.

"We believe it is indigenous struggle but India wants to crush it with force. Hurryet leadership and Pakistan condemn their brutalities as India is targeting the innocent people who cannot be declared extremists." He said India had deployed over 700,000 armed forces in the valley to crush the movement and it is obligatory on us to stand by Kashmiri bothers.

"For the last 60 years, Kashmiris are waging struggle for their just right despite Indian atrocities. Their courage and determination manifest that their destination is not far off." During his second tenure in the government, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had stated, "We believe that a just settlement of Jammu and Kashmir issue will usher a new era of amity and progress in South Asia.

I offer to open negotiations on a treaty of non- aggression between India and Pakistan." On another occasion, he said, Pakistan is sincere to resolve disputes with India including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir and the United Nations must fulfill its responsibility to the Kashmir dispute to defuse tension and bring an end to the arms race in the region.

The Prime Minister had stated that unfortunately true peace has been a stranger to South Asia because the root cause of Kashmir is still unresolved.

"We have initiated the dialogue process with India and we hope India will respond positively." He had stated that human rights are universal and they cannot be applied selectively. "We are asking for nothing more than right to self-determination to Kashmiri people.

They have been victim to appalling repression and being denied to the right committed to them by Pakistan, India and the United Nations." Speaking at another forum, the Prime Minister had stated that unfortunately the security environment in South Asia had been precarious because of the tension emanating from Jammu and Kashmir.

"I regret to say that in this age when nations recognize right to self-determination, Indian forces are killing Kashmiri people." He had stated, "Pakistan will never abandon the cause of Kashmir and continue their support in order to redeem their right to self-determination.

I have invited the Indian Prime Minister to restore the stalled dialogue for resolving outstanding issue including Kashmir. Speaking on another occasion, the Prime Minister had said, Pakistan always tried to tell India that regional peace and progress could only be achieved by settling the outstanding issue. "Pakistan repeatedly told India to the voice of Kashmiris because they are peaceful people and if they are waging a struggle it is due to denial of their just right." Nawaz Sharif had also invited the attention of international community by saying that India was hoodwinking them through malicious propaganda but it could enslave Kashmiris for long with their genocide and use of force.

"India should end brutalities in Kashmir and hold dialogue. But, holding dialogue does not mean that on one side they engage in talks and on the other hand continue genocide of innocent Kashmiris." Addressing a gathering on another time, the Prime Minister had stated that Kashmiris are close to his heart and he loves them like he loves Pakistani people.

"India is responsible for arms race in South Asia and Pakistan had to compete for its self- defense. I have urged the UNSG to ask India why they were refusing to implement the UN resolutions.

On contrary, Pakistan always honored the United Nations." During his first tenure also, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had been persuading India to halt hostilities in Kashmir and instead fulfill its commitments to the United Nations to give Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

"With the resolution of these issues between the two countries, people on both sides of the border will have better opportunities to lead a prosperous life." He had also been rejecting the Indian allegation of interference and said, Pakistan was only extending them political, moral and diplomatic support that is their right for a just cause.