DAVOS - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio
Guterres Thursday assured Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to play a very
constructive and positive role for countries in the region including Pakistan.
The Prime Minister met the Secretary General here on the
sidelines of the 47th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum at the
Congress Centre.
The Prime Minister said Kashmir was an international
dispute, which remained on the agenda of the Security Council. He said a sustained
dialogue process on all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir was
vital to make progress.
It was in that spirit Pakistan invited India for discussions
on the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant
resolutions of the UN Security Council and in line with the aspirations of the
Kashmiri people. India did not respond positively, he added.
The Prime Minister said his government’s foremost priority
was to build a peaceful neighborhood. “We are committed to lasting peace and
security in our region and an environment conducive to economic cooperation;
which is in the interest of all the people of South Asia,” he added.
“We are convinced that the welfare of the people of our
region lies in economic progress and prosperity. This cannot be achieved if we
are not able to resolve our problems and cooperate with each other,” he said.
He said New Delhi was fuelling instability in an already
tense region by adopting a no-talks posture, vitiating the atmosphere through
incendiary statements, and trying to muzzle the voice for the legitimate right
to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the people of Kashmir
were guaranteed a free, transparent and impartial plebiscite by the resolutions
of the UN Security Council. This promise was yet to materialize, he added. “We
look forward to your leadership and good offices. The United Nations has
longstanding responsibility to play a role in the resolution of this issue,” he
said.
The secretary general assured the Prime Minister that he was
fully cognizant of the sensitivity of the issues between India and Pakistan
which has security consequences for the region.
The UN Secretary General praised Pakistan’s contribution for
the United Nations and peacemaking operations as well as hosting millions of
Afghan refugees. He said that he would play a very constructive and positive
role for the countries in the region including Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also raised the issue of Indus Water
Treaty with the UN Secretary General. “I am pleased to meet you soon after your
assumption of Office. It gives me great pleasure to see you leading the premier
international institution,” he added.
The Prime Minister appreciated his inspirational role as the
UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees. “Your visits to Pakistan in that tenure
enabled you to understand our challenges in hosting millions of refugees.”
“Pakistan believes that you were the ideal candidate for
Secretary Generalship. It needed a leader, to take it forward in to the 21st
century,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that the priorities Antonio Guterres
had set soon after assuming his office were also encouraging. The UN Member
States need to put Peace First, he added.
“Pakistan assures you of its support and cooperation to
enable you to fulfill your mandate”, the Prime Minister said, adding “We also
support your call for prioritizing conflict prevention and sustainable peace.”
He also invited the UN Secretary General to visit Pakistan
at his earliest convenience. “Your visit will showcase your support and
commitment to peace and progress in the region,” he added.
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