New York, Sep 30 :Â Â Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while addressing the UN General Assembly’s 70th session in New York, proposed a four point agenda to diffuse tension between Pakistan and India.
Nawaz suggested that Pakistan and India should formalise and respect the 2003 understanding for a complete ceasefire on the Line of Control in Kashmir.
For this purpose, he called for UNMOGIP’s expansion to monitor the observance of the ceasefire.
Secondly, the premier urged both the countries to reaffirm their resolve that they will not resort to the use of force under any circumstances. He pointed out that this is a central element of the UN Charter.
Nawaz also proposed that steps should be taken to demilitarise Kashmir.
“Pakistan and India should agree to an unconditional mutual withdrawal from Siachen Glacier — the world’s highest battleground,†he said.
Nawaz said an easing of threat perceptions through such peaceful efforts will make it possible for Pakistan and India to agree on a broad range of measures to address the peril posed by offensive and advanced weapons systems.
“Pakistan neither wants to, nor is it engaged in, an arms race in South Asia,†he asserted.
As a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan will continue to support the objectives of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, he added.
Nawaz said South Asia needs strategic stability and this requires serious dialogue to achieve nuclear restraint, conventional balance and conflict resolution.
“Pakistan looks forward to playing its part to build a brighter era of peace and prosperity in South Asia.”
Referring to the menace of terrorism, Nawaz emphasised the need to address the underlying causes of the challenge.
He pointed out that Muslims are suffering across the world: Palestinians and Kashmiris oppressed by foreign occupation; persecuted minorities; and the discrimination against Muslim refugees fleeing persecution or war. (agency)
