Qureshi asks UN secretary general to play role to resolve Kashmir dispute

NEW YORK (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on United Nations Secretary General António Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session. The minister highlighted the plight of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the report of the Human Rights High Commissioner, Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed grave concern over the plight and suffering of Kashmiris at the hands of Indian occupying forces. He stressed on peaceful resolution of the dispute, reflecting the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions is important. He also called on the UN secretary general to play his role in resolution of the dispute. The foreign minister highlighted the jingoistic rhetoric from Delhi and asked the secretary general to urge India not to embark on any misadventure. He expressed Pakistan's desire to engage with India for lasting peace in the region. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the Indian government is under political pressure. “India will have to admit that the situation has not improved in the Occupied Kashmir,” he declared. On Afghanistan, the foreign minister reiterated that peace and stability was only possible through an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. He said Pakistan's interest was in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. The secretary general, calling Pakistan a ‘privileged partner of the UN’, appreciated its lead role at the UN, including as a top troop contributor to peacekeeping. Foreign Minister Qureshi and Secretary General agreed on the importance of regional peace through dialogue.