Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need for adhering to United Nations Security Council resolutions when resolving Kashmir dispute, in order to achieve lasting peace in South Asia. His statements came amidst renewed tensions between Pakistan and India following recent cross-border hostilities and an uncertain ceasefire agreement. (National Geo News +2 PID News.). As part of his Wednesday statement, PM Sharif reiterated the Jammu and Kashmir conflict is at the core of regional instability, calling on international bodies, particularly the UN, to play an active role in helping bring about just and peaceful resolution of it. Additionally, Pakistan agreed to the recent ceasefire understanding in the larger interest of regional peace while affirming its commitment to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity while upholding peace in Pakistan and surrounding regions. (Geo News; Arab News and The Express Tribune.). PM Sharif thanked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for their diplomatic efforts in South Asia to defuse tension. He noted how their continued engagement and preventive diplomacy demonstrated its long-term commitment to upholding its Charter’s principles and creating peace in South Asia. The Express Tribune/PID and Dunya News report of this development. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned India’s aggression on the pretext of counter-terrorism, terming it an irresponsible action that requires global consideration. He expressed serious alarm over India’s leadership’s continued provocative and inciting statements as threats to regional peace and stability, according to The Express Tribune, Dunya News, Geo News and The Express Tribune (all sources are accurate). PM Sharif addressed Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot on March 17 and applauded Pakistan’s armed forces for their outstanding response to Indian attacks, saying Pakistan was prepared for both war and peace. He extended an invitation for dialogue among all parties involved on contentious issues like Kashmir dispute resolution and water distribution, among others. Dawn/The Times of India. Recent ceasefire negotiations mediated by international actors including the US have been met with enthusiastic welcome by all stakeholders involved. Yet violations have already been reported, raising serious doubts as to its durability. Jammu & Kashmir Students Association described it as crucial step toward peace and relief for border communities; emphasising long-term peace measures beyond symbolic ones as critical factors in attaining lasting stability for border regions. * For further reading see The Guardian website or The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association statement for further insight and analysis: www.jammukashstudenchk/jammu&k/jammuK/, www.JK/688 The United States also welcomed the ceasefire agreement, noting its importance in maintaining peace in Kashmir. In response to this development, the Department of State commended efforts made by mediators between two South Asian nations as they worked toward de-escalating tensions in Kashmir region. The Times of India Plus 1 (en.wikipedia.org). As the situation remains delicate, Prime Minister Sharif’s call for a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute underlines Pakistan’s view that lasting peace in South Asia depends on settling this longstanding issue in accordance with international resolutions.
