Core Issue of Jammu and Kashmir Has to be Resolved: Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif at UN General Assembly

New York: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today raked up the issue of Kashmir at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir has to be resolved and pushed for a plebiscite in the state.

"This is the responsibility of the international community... We cannot draw a veil over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Addressing the UNGA, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York, PM Sharif said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are "still waiting for fulfillment of the promise of plebiscite". He went on to allege that "many generations of Kashmiris have lived in violence" and that the people of the state had suffered, especially its women.

In a speech which lasted nearly 15 minutes, Mr Sharif said Pakistan is ready to work on Kashmir with negotiations and dialogue. (Highlights of Nawaz Sharif's Address at UN General Assembly)

"Pakistan's aspiration and effort is to build a peaceful neighbourhood. Regional peace and security, political peace, social justice and rule of law is absolutely essential... My government's aspiration and effort to build a peaceful neighbourhood," Mr Sharif said.

Mentioning the cancellation of foreign secretary-level talks by India last month, the Pakistan PM said "We were disappointed at the cancellation of Foreign Secretary-level talks with India... Need more not less dialogue and diplomacy."

India had called off the August 25 foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan over its envoy in New Delhi hobnobbing with Kashmiri separatists, ignoring India's request to him not to meet them. "The new government has given a new signal. So they spoilt the talks, they spoilt the game," Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said after meeting with foreign ministers of Brazil and South Africa on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session earlier today.

The Pakistan government has, meanwhile, ruled out resumption of any dialogue with India unless the initiative in this regard is taken by New Delhi.