UNITED NATIONS (Kashmir English): Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has expressed serious reservations over India’s recent actions following the Pahalgam incident, which, he said, have posed serious threats to the region’s peace and security.
He expressed Islamabad’s concerns while briefing the media following the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) in-camera session, which was convened at Pakistan’s request amid escalating tensions with India.
The tensions with the neighbouring country especially spiked after the attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Kashmir dispute stands unresolved today even after more than 70 years, the envoy said while briefing the media following the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) in-camera session, which was convened at Pakistan’s request amid escalating tensions with India after the attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Kashmir is the core issue
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said that the Kashmir is the core issue between Pakistan and India and that it must be resolved in line with the UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He was of the view that a peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute is not possible without having Kashmiri people engaged in the process.
He was also vary of having lasting peace in the region until this core issue is resolved.
Drawing the world’s attention to the human rights situation in the occupied territory, Iftikhar said that innocent civilians continue to face oppression and atrocities at the hands of the Indian forces.
Clearing his position on the Pahalgam incident, the ambassador said that Pakistan has nothing to do with the incident, noting that Pakistan is willing to offer complete cooperation in an independent, transparent and international investigation.
The ambassador also reminded the world community that Pakistan had been the frontline state in the global fight against terrorism and sacrificed more than 90,000 lives in this fight.
Ambassador Iftikhar expressed strong concerns over India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a breach of international law.
He told media that the matter had also been raised during the UNSC meeting.
Pakistan’s envoy to the UN reiterated that it was vital to act upon the Security Council’s resolutions for durable peace in the region.
