GP Short Notes

GP Short Notes # 957, 28 September 2024

At the UNGA, PM Sharif links Palestine with Kashmir, appreciates CPEC, and condemns TTP
Nuha Aamina


On 27 September, speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif touched upon various issues including the Gaza conflict, the Kashmir issue, climate change, and human rights. 

On Palestine
During the Prime Minister of Israel’s speech, the PM and his delegation walked out of the Assembly. In his address, PM Sharif deemed the issues prevailing in Palestine and Kashmir to be creating an everyday “fresh hell”. He called upon the global community to end the ongoing massacres and work toward a sustainable peace solution. He stated that this would be possible by establishing a viable, secure, contiguous, and sovereign Palestinian state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem.

On Kashmir
Responding to the warning issued by New Delhi on crossing the Line of Control, he said that Pakistan would retaliate to any form of “Indian Aggression.” He accused India of not implementing the Security Council’s resolutions of a plebiscite for Kashmiris. He said: “Since August 5, 2019, India has taken unilateral, illegal actions to impose what its leaders ominously call a ‘Final Solution’ for Jammu and Kashmir.” He emphasized the need for "durable peace" which in his opinion may be achieved by reversing India's "unilateral" administration of Kashmir on 19 August 2019 and in his opinion allowing Kashmiris the right to self-determination, as a part of the United Nations Security Council's resolutions.  Sharif drew parallels between the people of Kashmir and Palestine and described India’s presence in the disputed region “classical settler-colonial project.”

On Terrorism and regional cooperation 
He condemned the resurgence of terrorist groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). PM Sharif spoke of Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and collateral damages, including the loss of 80,000 soldiers, civilians and USD 150 dollar loss incurred. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to tackling “externally financed and sponsored” terrorism through the Azm-i-Istehkam and working with the global communities in combatting global counter-terrorism. He hoped for the normalization of ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.  He also stressed the need for the interim government to prioritize human rights especially those of women and girls. 
On the brighter side, PM Sharif expressed satisfaction with the progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and even acknowledged the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)'s role in advancing regional connectivity and geo-economics.


Other non-traditional security threats
Speaking on climate change PM Shehbaz urged developed countries to support the developing countries by fulfilling their financing commitments. He called for the need to uphold global justice and even follow the polluter pays principle. He emphasized the effects of climate change which countries like Pakistan to bear as it emits less than one percent of the total global carbon emissions. He proposed a budget of USD 100 billion which can be utilized to support developing countries in achieving climate goals and sustainable development goals (SDGs). “We look forward to the fulfillment of commitments made by our development partners,” he added.
Among other issues, he spoke about the rise of  Islamaphobia and the negative stereotyping of Muslims around the world.  (“
PM Shehbaz warns India of ‘decisive’ counter-attack ,” Dawn, 28 September 2024; “PM at UNGA urges immediate action on Gaza, Kashmir; calls for global climate justice ,” The Express Tribune, 28 September 2024)

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