Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that normal relations between Pakistan and India cannot be established without resolving the Kashmir issue.

Addressing the overseas Pakistani community in London, the prime minister stated that Pakistan and India have fought four wars, costing billions of dollars — funds that should have been spent on the development and prosperity of the people.

He emphasised that Pakistan and India are neighbours and must learn to live together, expressing Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue based on equality.

The prime minister, however, stressed that “the blood of Kashmiris will not go in vain”.

US visit to address UN

PM Shehbaz is scheduled to depart from London for the United States today (Sunday), where he will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 26.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead the Pakistan delegation to the high-level segment of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly from September 22.

The prime minister will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, other ministers and senior officials.

Atrocities in Gaza and Kashmir

In his address to the General Assembly, the prime minister will urge the international community to resolve the situations of prolonged occupation and denial of the right to self-determination in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine.

He will, in particular, draw the attention of the international community towards the grave crisis in Gaza, and call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Palestinians.

The prime minister will also highlight Pakistan’s perspective on the regional security situation, as well as other issues of international concern, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development.

Meetings on the sidelines

Prime Minister Shehbaz will attend several high-level events on the sidelines of the UNGA Session, including important meetings of the UN Security Council, High-Level Meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and a Special High-Level Event on Climate Action, among others.

The prime minister will also participate in a meeting of select Islamic leaders with US President Trump to exchange views on issues pertaining to regional and international peace and security.

The prime minister will have bilateral meetings on the sidelines with several world leaders and senior UN officials for an exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

Desire for peace

He will also underline Pakistan’s resolve to work with all UN member states to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, foster peace and promote global prosperity in Pakistan’s current role as a member of the Security Council.

The prime minister’s participation in this biggest annual gathering of global leaders will showcase Pakistan’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations, and highlight Pakistan’s longstanding contribution towards the shared objectives of peace and development.