ASTANA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Thursday that he fully supports peaceful dialogue as a means of resolving disputes with other nations, especially India’s neighbour. This is done in an effort to ensure the prosperity of the countries and the region.
In his speech to the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at its sixth summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, he stated that Pakistan wanted peaceful relations with all of its neighbours, including India.
In order to promote prosperity and progress, he added, “We are eager to interact with India. Both sides of the border cannot afford to deal with the enormous issues of poverty and unemployment amid limited resources.”
As he addressed the leaders of the multinational forum gathered to discuss cooperation towards promoting peace, security, and stability in Asia, the prime minister’s speech focused on peace among nations in order to achieve the goal of prosperity.
PM Sharif emphasised that the people deserved to have resources directed toward their education and health.
“I want to leave a legacy of peace and progress for the prosperity of our region’s future generations,” he said.
“At the moment, Pakistan’s top priority is to resurrect a fast and equitable economy.”
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a group photo with leaders of the participating countries in 6th CICA Summit, Astana, Kazakhstan. 13th October, 2022.#PakPMatCICA #CICA2022 pic.twitter.com/zrgqteVwiN
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 13, 2022
However, he stated that the “onus remains on India to take the necessary step to engage in result-oriented solutions.”
The premier emphasised India’s unabated atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir over the last seven decades, claiming that Kashmiris continue to be denied their right to self-determination.
He urged other countries to take note of India’s “bullet over ballot” policy, which openly violated the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir.
“India has become a threat to its minorities, neighbours, and the region as a whole,” he said.
Pakistan, according to Sharif, is “absolutely ready and willing for a discussion with Indian counterparts to promote trade and investment provided they demonstrate the sincerity of purpose.”
Regarding Afghanistan, he claimed that the four decades of war had severely damaged both the nation and Pakistan, which was next door.
He said that Pakistan’s peace and security were severely damaged, with catastrophic repercussions in the form of 80,000 casualties and enormous financial damages amounting to billions of dollars.
In addition to hosting four million Afghan refugees, the prime minister expressed pleasure that Pakistan has managed to contain extremism and terrorism on its soil despite making great sacrifices.
He declared, “The world community, as well as Pakistan, has an interest in a prosperous and stable Afghanistan.
To address shared problems in the interests of peace and development, he urged the regional nations to combine their resources.
If we pool our resources, Asia can stand tall and proud, he declared. “We can develop mutual trust through constructive discourse.”
He referred to Pakistan’s geographic position as a natural link between the region’s various economies.
In this context, he emphasised the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, which has completely changed the region’s economic and connectivity environment.
He also urged the CICA members to think about taking advantage of Pakistan’s prospects for trade, investment, and business.
In reference to recent floods in Pakistan, the prime minister made note of the fact that, although emitting less than 1% of carbon dioxide, the nation was suffering the most as a result of climate change.
He thanked the countries that came forward to offer assistance to Pakistan in carrying out relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected areas.
He also referred to as encouraging the United Nations’ $816 million flash appeal, which was launched to meet the daunting challenge of heavy losses caused by flash floods.
The prime minister expressed confidence that Pakistan would emerge stronger as a result of the flood disaster.
“Pakistan will overcome this problem with the help of its people and friendly countries,” he said.
In his speech, the prime minister discussed the Palestine conflict, emphasising the importance of resolving it peacefully in order to ensure peace in the Middle East and the region.
Pavan Manzoor is an experienced content writer , editor and social media handler along with a track record of youth-oriented activities in Pakistan and abroad. She was selected as a fully-funded delegate as a leadership fellow in Turkey. She also led a team of 5 volunteers at the week-long Young Professionals Fellowship in Maldives. She is also a member of the Youth Standing Committee on Higher Education.
