Nawaz Sharif Invokes Burhan Wani’s Name at UNGA, India Hits Back
In the UN address, the Pakistani Prime Minister also made a bid for his country’s NSG membership.
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Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday with Kashmir being the focal point of the address.
Sharif toned down his rhetoric amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan and proposed entering into sustained dialogues with the former.
He invoked Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Burhan Wani’s name during the speech and called him a “young leader” whose life was cut short by the Indian forces. The Pakistani Prime Minister also demanded the release of all Kashmiri political prisoners from India.
Additionally, he pitched Pakistan’s bid to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Find Sharif’s complete speech here.
Key Takeaways From Sharif’s Address
India Hits Back at Pakistan
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted in response to Nawaz Sharif’s speech which he claimed “glorifies” slain Wani.
Swarup also accused Sharif of being in complete denial of the Uri attack which resulted in the killing of 18 Indian soldiers on Sunday.
Protests Against Pak by Baloch Activists
Ahead of the Sharif’s speech, New York also saw protests outside the UNGA by Baloch National Movement activists against atrocities committed by the Pakistani army in Balochistan.
Afghanistan’s Verbal Attack on Pakistan
Before Sharif’s address, Afghanistan’s second Vice President Sarwar Danish verbally attacked Pakistan at UNGA saying that the “world knows where Taliban leaders live, Pakistan doesn’t act against terrorists”.
He also said that the “attacks on American Universities were plotted on Pakistan soil.”
According to NDTV reports, quoting Chinese PM Li Keying, Pakistani media said that China will “stand by Pakistan and will raise voice in its support at every forum.”
Prior to this event, Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan’s army chief General Raheel Sharif to discuss Kashmir and the tense relationship with India following the Uri attack which left 18 soldiers dead on Sunday.
Additionally, even previously Sharif’s repeated calls to the UN to help resolve the Kashmir dispute gained no traction as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon did not refer to Kashmir in his final speech to the UNGA as the UN chief.
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