Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has proposed a peace initiative aimed at resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue with India. He emphasized moving beyond the 2019 status changes, citing UN commitments, and underscored the necessity of the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. Sharif criticized India’s military posture while promoting diplomatic discussions as essential for improved bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed a fresh peace initiative directed towards India, emphasizing that Islamabad is willing to engage in talks on all disputes, notably the contentious Kashmir issue. During a speech in Muzaffarabad at the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Assembly on “Kashmir Solidarity Day,” Sharif expressed that dialogue is essential for resolving the complex issues bedeviling both nations.
Sharif urged India to move past the August 5, 2019, developments, specifically referring to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370. He called for India to fulfill its commitments to the UN and initiate meaningful discussions to address ongoing tensions.
The Prime Minister reiterated that dialogue, as illustrated in the 1999 Lahore Declaration, is crucial for normalizing relations and reducing hostilities. His statements come in light of India’s previous insistence that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, is an integral part of the nation, a sentiment echoed despite the deterioration in relations since the abrogation of Article 370.
Sharif criticized India’s military buildup, arguing that armament does not contribute to regional stability and warned that a pragmatic approach focusing on peace is necessary for progress. He reiterated that genuine resolution of the Kashmir dilemma lies in recognizing the people’s right to self-determination as per UN resolutions.
Despite Pakistan’s repeated appeals to the UN regarding Kashmir, it has not succeeded in garnering substantial international support, as many view it as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. Sharif’s latest remarks underscore Pakistan’s persistent commitment to internationalizing the Kashmir dispute, while also seeking dialogue as a path forward.
The Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan stems from the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the division of the region into Pakistan-administered and India-administered territories. The revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy in 2019 by India intensified tensions, with both nations continuing to assert their respective claims. The Lahore Declaration of 1999 highlights past diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peaceful relations, yet the conflict remains unresolved, characterized by sporadic violence and military confrontations. Sharif’s latest peace proposal reflects a broader desire in Pakistan to pursue dialogue instead of military confrontation, aiming to attract international attention and support for its claims over Kashmir while navigating the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region.
In summary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended a new peace proposal to India, advocating for dialogue and resolution of all outstanding issues, particularly concerning Kashmir. His approach stresses the need for India to reconsider its stance post-August 2019 and emphasizes dialogue as the only viable path forward, juxtaposing Pakistan’s consistent call for self-determination of Kashmir with India’s stance on sovereignty. The longstanding conflict necessitates a delicate balance of negotiations and international diplomacy.
Original Source: news24online.com
