ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a good speech in his address to the UN General Assembly. He used soft words but conveyed a harsh message to the arrogant US, the docile UN, the anti-Islam West and the ever-dominating India.
He spoke against drones; he highlighted the Kashmir issue forcefully; he demanded of the UN Palestine’s membership; he talked of UN reforms; he desired of resolving all issues through peaceful means and warned the anti-Islam West from moving towards the clash of civilisation.
Nawaz Sharif did not name the United States but smartly implied that the present world was being bullied by Washington. He was cautious in his choice of words but smartly conveyed that the policy of ‘might is right’ is in practice right now, and there is no fairness in the world politics.
He emphasised on the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all the member states of the UN for which this global body has completely failed. He thus suggested, “The United Nations needs reform. But it should be a reform that reflects the interests of all, not the ambitions of a few. It was a message for the UN from its own floor that the United Nations is nothing more than a puppet of US and, therefore, requires immediate reforms to treat the member states in a fair manner. To the disappointment of hawkish Indians and the war-mongers, he talked at length on the issue of Kashmir and reminded the UN that its seven-decade-old resolution for the self determination of Kashmiris remains unimplemented even today.
Two days before his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Nawaz Sharif’s Kashmir part of his UN speech is likely to frown many in India who were already pressing Singh not to meet Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of UNGA session.
Truly representing the feelings of Muslims all over the world, Nawaz Sharif told the West how unfairly and in biased manner, it treated Islam and its followers in the post-9/11 era. In an apparent reference to the treatment meted out to the Muslims in the western societies and the unending anti-Islam campaigns, Nawaz Sharif protested that maligning a religion or all of its followers for the wrongs of one or a group of persons was unfair and unwise.
“Islam is a religion of peace, compassion and brotherhood. And yet most insidious form of contemporary racism in the name of religion is on the rise. Peaceful Muslim communities are profiled and subjected to discriminatory practices. Their faith, culture, holy personalities and scriptures are under attack. Stereotyping of Muslims as extremists and terrorists must stop. We must all use the influence and reach of the United Nations to avert a clash of civilisations and promote harmony among followers of diverse religions, all around the world,” Nawaz Sharif said. In the recent times, rarely any Muslim leader has spoken so bluntly on this account before the anti-Islam West.
Nawaz Sharif said that he wants to engage with India to resolve their issues through peaceful means. He suggested the same for the present Syrian government and the opposition besides highlighting that his own government has preferred dialogue to use of force to bring peace and end terrorism.
Nawaz Sharif assured that Pakistan would help the world and the UN to the peaceful resolution of Afghanistan issue but expected the same from the US and the UN to get the drone attacks stopped.
Nawaz spoke softly but gave a harsh message - thenews.com.pk
This is what the Israelis delegation usually do. I'm not quite sure how truthful the news is but we have seen similar reactions before.
They were not their camera showed it they were not sitting on their seats one lady was sitting on Palestinian seat but no one was on seat of Israel
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday said that the use of armed drones in the border areas of Pakistan was detrimental to our resolve and efforts to eliminate extremism and terrorism from Pakistan.
Addressing the United Nations 68th General Assembly session at the UN headquarters, the prime minister said that the use of armed drones was a continued violation of our territorial integrity. It results in casualties of innocent civilians. “I have urged the United States to cease these strikes so that we could avert further casualties and suffering.”
Prime Minister Nawaz is the first leader from Pakistan who took up the issue of drone attacks in the world body emphatically and said that the war against terrorism must be waged within the framework of international law.
Offering yet another time an olive branch to his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reminded Dr Manmohan Singh that a solid basis to make a new beginning was available by building on the Lahore Accord signed in 1999, which contained a roadmap for the resolution of differences through peaceful negotiations.
“I am committed to working for a peaceful and economically prosperous region. This is what our people want and this is what I have long aspired for,” he said in his speech that received thunderous applause on conclusion.
The prime minister dealt with the Kashmir issue extensively and told the world body that the UN must continue to remain attentive to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and the full realisation of the right to self-determination of its people.
The suffering of the people cannot be brushed under the carpet, because of power politics. As in the past, Pakistan calls upon the international community to give an opportunity to the people of Kashmir to decide their future peacefully, in accordance with the UNSC resolutions. The issue of Jammu and Kashmir was presented to the Security Councilin January 1948; and yet the issue remains unresolved after nearly seven decades.
Nawaz Sharif said: “I have an aspiration for regional peace and stability. I have shared this vision with leaders in our neighbourhood. Shortly after assuming office, I received a message of goodwill from the Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh. I extended an invitation to him to engage with us to address all outstanding issues between our two countries. Prime Minister Singh’s response was positive. Our two countries have wasted massive resources in an arms race. We could have used those resources for the economic well-being of our people. We still have that opportunity. Pakistan and India can prosper together; and the entire region would benefit from our cooperation.”
He said that Pakistan is ready to re-engage with India in a substantive and purposeful dialogue.The prime minister in outset said: “I stand here today before this Assembly, soon after my country has seen a new dawn. I come before this House in all humility, as the elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, for the third time. I feel exonerated, as my supporters and I stood firm in our commitment to democracy in the long years of exile, exclusion and state oppression.”
He warned that there is no room for complacency. We cannot lower our guard. Democracy needs constant vigilance and strong institutions. It needs careful nurturing. Most importantly, it is not promises, but good governance that sustains democracy. “My government has put people at the centre. We will work to give them peace and security, an environment of growth and development. I am pursuing an inclusive approach for the entire nation,” he added.
The prime minister said that the security of our world is assured and reinforced by friendly relations between nations and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The United Nations needs reform. But it should be a reform that reflects the interests of all; not the ambitions of a few. “We believe that the Security Council’s composition should be made more representatives, democratic and equitable; and its work more effective, transparent and accountable. The intended reforms must, however, plan for a dynamic future, not entrench or replicate outdated historical patterns, based on privileges,” he said.
Nawaz said that we have to continue to strive for a fair and just international order, based on rule of law to save the world from the scourge of war. Festering disputes must be resolved. The UN has to play a critical role in this regard.
Elaborating his approach pertaining to situation in Afghanistan, he said that the people of Afghanistan are and should remain masters of their own destiny. We support an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, leading to national reconciliation. “I re-assured President Karzai that we do not wish to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs; nor do we have any favourites in that country. In fact, we have an earnest hope that the Afghans themselves will unite for peace, prosperity and development of their great country.”
Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan encourages United Nations’ efforts for the stabilisation of Afghanistan. “We will work together with Afghanistan for regional and economic cooperation that would establish and reinforce regional trade, energy and communications corridors. A manifestation of our solidarity with the Afghan people has been our willingness to host millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan for many decades. International support for their repatriation as well as reintegration in Afghanistan is indispensable,” he added.
He said that we also look forward to UN support in addressing other trans-regional challenges, including the flow of narcotics.The prime minister, while supporting the cause of Palestine, said the current status of Palestine should lead to the consolidation of an independent, viable and contiguous state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. Pakistan will continue to demonstrate its solidarity with the people of Palestine. 
He regretted over the situation prevailing in Syria and said that Syria is in turmoil, with Syrians killing Syrians. We appeal to the Syrian government and opposition groups to move to the negotiating table in Geneva to prepare a roadmap for national reconciliation and the necessary political transitions. More war will lead to more killings that need to be stopped. He condemned use of chemical weapons in the strongest terms. The prime minister welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Russia, and supported by other permanent members of the Security Council, to secure and destroy chemical weapons in Syria. “I call on all forces to invest their political will and capital in diplomacy to bring peace to Syria.”
Discussing disarmament and non-proliferation, he said that as a responsible nuclear weapon state, we will continue to pursue the goals of disarmament and non-proliferation and adhere to the policy of credible minimum deterrence, without entering into an arms race. We would not, however, remain oblivious to the evolving security dynamics in South Asia, nor would we agree to arrangement that is detrimental to our security and strategic interests. Our position on the proposed Fissile Material Treaty is determined by our national security interests and the objective of strategic stability in South Asia.
Pleading the case of his country for acquiring capability for civilian use of nuclear energy, Prime Minister Nawaz said that safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy, without discrimination, is essential for economic development. Pakistan qualifies for full access to civil nuclear technology for peaceful purposes to meet its growing energy needs for continued economic growth. By the same token, as a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regime, Pakistan has impeccable credentials to join the multilateral export control regime, including the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Pakistan will continue to participate constructively in the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process, which is a laudable initiative, he said.
The premier dilated upon the terrorism at greater length and said that a country that has suffered grievously for the past many years, Pakistan condemns terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. In the past twelve years, we have given huge sacrifices, in blood and resources. We have lost 40,000 precious lives of men, women and children, which include 8,000 defence and security personnel. There have been colossal damages to social and physical infrastructure as well. Our economy has been denied the opportunity to grow fully. This must change now, he said.
“Winning hearts and minds, particularly of the youth, is as important as using guns to deter terrorism. But dialogue should not be seen as a sign of weakness or a tool of appeasement,” the prime minister said.
He reminded that the terrorism knows no borders. It has no religion or creed, which is why maligning a whole people or a religion on this account is unfair and unwise. Islam is a religion of peace, compassion and brotherhood, he added.
Expressing his dismay over anti-Islam move, Nawaz Sharif said that the most insidious form of contemporary racism in the name of religion is on the rise. Peaceful Muslim communities are profiled and subjected to discriminatory practices. Their faith, culture, holy personalities and scriptures are under attack. Stereotyping of Muslims as extremists and terrorists must stop. We must all use the influence and reach of the United Nations to avert a clash of civilisations and promote harmony among followers of diverse religions, all around the world. Terrorism negates Islam’s humanistic outlook and noble values. Those who perpetrate terrorism are enemies of Muslims and Islam itself, he added.
Nawaz Sharif informed the world body that his government has undertaken an economic revolution in Pakistan so that it too can become part of the emerging markets. “We have all the fundamentals and human and natural resources for such a transformation. In the immediate future, our challenge is to overcome a volatile security environment, correct structural imbalances in the economy and bring an end to energy shortages. We are building a new Pakistan with a robust economy. From the international community, we do not seek aid, but enhanced trade, market access, investment and strong economic partnerships,” he said.
He vowed that his government is creating a new framework for change to provide equal opportunities and social justice for everyone, eliminate exploitation of the poor, harness our human resources and restore the dignity of our citizens. “We intend to use education as a key driver of socio-economic development of Pakistan. We are introducing a National Health Service across Pakistan with the participation of private sector. We have also made eradication of polio in Pakistan a matter of great importance for my government, as we are determined to make Pakistan a polio-free country,” the premier said.
He reminded that world that it is our strong resolve to promote full participation of women in national development, while protecting their political, social and cultural rights as agents of change. More than 63 percent of our population is under the age of 25. By investing in their education and skills, we aim to tap into this demographic dividend. Minorities are equal citizens of Pakistan. They will not only have complete freedom to worship, but we will protect their rights to education, employment and full political participation.
Referring to Peshawar Church tragedy, Nawaz Sharif said that we are deeply saddened by the recent terrorist attack on the members of a minority community in Peshawar. This heinous attack has united the entire Pakistani nation in support of our brothers and sisters of all faith in Pakistan. We share their grief and declared three days of mourning. This attack has been carried out by the same elements who have attacked our mosques, our shrines, innocent citizens, and members of our security forces. However, this attack has further strengthened my government’s resolve to deal with terrorism and extremism in a resolute and comprehensive manner, as I had reiterated in my very first speech at the National Assembly of Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif told the General Assembly that Pakistan is prone to natural disasters – earthquakes and floods. We have, therefore, launched a ten years National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy. Adopting a proactive and anticipatory approach, we lay special emphasis on risk assessment, prevention, mitigation and preparedness. We hope that in future, humanitarian assistance will supplement our national efforts and resources to prevent natural disasters.
The prime minister said that Pakistan is a strong supporter of multilateral diplomacy, convinced that it is the most legitimate, ultimate guarantor of peace and security, economic and social development, and respect for universal human rights. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Pakistan has been making every effort to strengthen the role of diplomacy to resolve conflicts and to help build states in post-conflict situations. In all instances, we have upheld the primacy of the Charter, he said.
“We need multilateral diplomacy so that we continue to respect diversity while reaching decisions that impact our fate as members of the international community. Towards this end, the United Nations – the virtual world parliament – is our best hope,” he said.
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