“Cooperation, not confrontation, should define
our relationship with India," said Nawaz.
Yet today ceasefire
violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary are intensifying,
causing civilian deaths including women and children, he added.
“I want to use the
opportunity today to propose a new peace initiative with India, starting with
measures that are the simplest to implement.”
Nawaz suggested
that Pakistan and India should formalise and respect the 2003 understanding for
a complete ceasefire on the Line of Control in Kashmir.
For this purpose,
he called for UNMOGIP’s expansion to monitor the observance of the ceasefire.
Secondly, the
premier urged both the countries to reaffirm their resolve that they will not
resort to the use of force under any circumstances. He pointed out that this is
a central element of the UN Charter.
Nawaz also proposed
that steps should be taken to demilitarise Kashmir.
“Pakistan and India
should agree to an unconditional mutual withdrawal from Siachen Glacier — the
world’s highest battleground,” he said.
Nawaz said an
easing of threat perceptions through such peaceful efforts will make it
possible for Pakistan and India to agree on a broad range of measures to
address the peril posed by offensive and advanced weapons systems.
“Pakistan neither
wants to, nor is it engaged in, an arms race in South Asia,” he asserted.
As a responsible
nuclear weapon state, Pakistan will continue to support the objectives of
nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, he added.
Nawaz said South
Asia needs strategic stability and this requires serious dialogue to achieve
nuclear restraint, conventional balance and conflict resolution.
"Pakistan
looks forward to playing its part to build a brighter era of peace and
prosperity in South Asia."
Referring to the
menace of terrorism, Nawaz emphasised the need to address the underlying causes
of the challenge.
He pointed out that
Muslims are suffering across the world: Palestinians and Kashmiris oppressed by
foreign occupation; persecuted minorities; and the discrimination against
Muslim refugees fleeing persecution or war.
Pak-Afghan
relations underwent a positive transformation after the advent of the national
unity government in Kabul, said Nawaz.
"Pakistan made
strenuous efforts to facilitate the process of Afghan reconciliation. Dialogue
did open between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, which was an
unprecedented first.
"But it was unfortunate
that certain developments stalled the process. Thereafter, militant attacks
intensified, which we unequivocally condemn," he stressed.
Nawaz said,
"Pakistan greatly appreciates China’s proactive role in promoting peace
and prosperity in Afghanistan and our region."
"The
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, announced during President Xi Jinping’s visit
to Pakistan earlier this year will spur regional economic integration and bring
prosperity to the entire region and beyond."
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