ASTANA: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said resolution of Kashmir issue is must for peace in region. “Pakistan wants better relations with India but it depends on India. India has become threat for minorities, neighbouring countries and for itself, Addressing 6th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia in Astana, Kazakhstan he said. India has deprived people of Kashmir of their right to self-determination and it is trying to stifle voice of oppressed Kashmiris since last seven decades, he remarked. 

He held peace will remain elusive until Indian atrocities end in Occupied Kashmir. India is using military force in Occupied Kashmir despite being claimant of democracy, he added. Despite it we are ready to go for talks with India because we cannot afford more poverty and unemployment in region, he remarked.

Flood induced devastation has pushed Pakistan back to decades and it will take Pakistan decades to steer out of destruction, he remarked.  Pakistan needs immediate help to rehabilitate its thirty three million climate refugees affected by recent devastating rains and floods. He said Pakistan is living through a colossal climate induced climate. PM stated that unprecedented rains and flooding that have submerged one third of Pakistan are without any doubt consequence of global warming and climate change.

He said according to initial estimates, calamity has caused a loss to tune of over thirty billion dollars. He said government has marshalled all resources at its disposal for rescue, relief and rehabilitation.

Shehbaz Sharif said though Pakistan is responsible for less than one percent of global carbon emissions yet we are amongst ten top countries most severely impacted by climate change. Expressing his gratitude to countries who extended support to flood affected people, he said Pakistan looks forward to their continued support as country transitions to more daunting phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation. He said Pakistan is determined to emerge stronger from these floods in a short period of time.

Pakistan needs immediate help to rehabilitate its thirty three million climate refugees affected by recent devastating rains and floods. Prime Minister said Pakistan’s location offers a natural bridge to regional economies. He said China Pakistan Economic Corridor has transformed economic and connectivity landscape of region.

He invited members to take advantage of opportunity of trade, business and investment in Pakistan. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 14 2022

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