Peace, stability in South Asia lies in resolving Kashmir dispute: Tehmina Janjua

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The pursuit of hegemonic policies in South Asia by India and its efforts for military domination are creating instability both at the global and regional levels, briefed Ambassador Tehmina Janjua, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in Geneva and the Conference on Disarmament, the 192 member UN Committee that addresses Disarmament and International Security matters. Alluding to its recent aggression and the display of irresponsible behavior by India, Ambassador Janjua highlighted that South Asia's security environment was blighted by India's insistence on hegemonic policies, engaging in a relentless arms build-up, and a myopic refusal to engage in any meaningful dialogue on security issues. Pakistan's security was fundamentally challenged by the introduction of nuclear weapons in its neighborhood. She referred to the Prime Minister's address to the UNGA in September this year in which he underscored Pakistan's resolve to maintain strategic stability in South Asia. The committee was reminded of Pakistan's proposal of our readiness to agree on a bilateral arrangement between Pakistan and India on a nuclear test ban that awaited a response from Indian side. Ambassador Janjua further added that peace and stability in South Asia would not be possible without resolving underlying disputes especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute; agreeing on measures for nuclear and missile restraint, and instituting conventional forces balance. Pakistan's proposal for a strategic restraint regime, based on these three inter-locking elements, remained on the table. She stressed that Pakistan had always demonstrated its commitment to peace and stability in the region and Pakistan's conduct continued to be defined by restraint and responsibility, and avoidance of an arms race. Pakistan, she said, has positioned itself as a mainstream partner in the international non-proliferation regime as well as the global efforts to strengthen nuclear security and safety. We have instituted a stringent national export control system and a robust nuclear security regime that are at par with the best international standards. Through a series of actions in diverse areas, we have demonstrated our credentials and eligibility to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). We expect that a non-discriminatory, criteria-based approach is followed for expanding NSG's membership, which would strengthen the non-proliferation regime in an equitable and credible manner. In response to India's right of reply, Pakistan demanded an urgent response to our proposal for a Strategic Restraint Regime and the Prime Minister's recent proposal for a bilateral arrangement on nuclear test ban. India's diversion of fissile material provided to it for peaceful purposes to build its first nuclear bomb was also recalled for the committee's attention.