The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that despite the economic hurdles, Pakistan hosted Afghan migrants 40 years ago, adding that the world community must assist Pakistan in order to recognize the efforts of Pakistan in this regard.
The United Nations Secretary-general further said that the Holy Quran also discussed the assistance of migrants 1600 years ago. Moreover, Antonio Guterres said that whenever he visited Pakistan, he has seen remarkable commitment posed by Pakistan for Afghan brothers.
Refugees are the victims of war not the perpetrators.#WithRefugees #RefugeeSummit #ThankYouPakistan
Refugee Summit Islamabad – A New Partnership for Solidarity
17-18 February 2020 pic.twitter.com/qgvld0PHjM— UNHCR Pakistan (@UNHCRPakistan) February 16, 2020
Moreover, he has also maintained to say that the support for Pakistan has been minimal by the world countries. He also said that Pakistan is seen committed to assisting its brother migrated to Pakistan.
Imran Khan addressed the conference
While addressing the conference Imran Khan said,” Pakistan is celebrating 40 years of hosting Afghan refugees, we are celebrating because Pakistan has respectfully hosted Afghan migrants in Pakistan.” He further said that no nation in the world has hosted such a large population in the world. adding that” Despite economic conundrum, Pakistan continued supporting Afghan migrants respectfully.”
Prime minister Imran Khan also said that Pakistan is keen interested in bringing peace in Afghanistan and for this cause, all possible efforts are being made by Pakistan.
Read more: UN Secretary General to visit Pakistan tomorrow
Furthermore, Pakistan premier said that Islam also teaches the lesson of being brotherly, polite and humble to migrants, and Afghan migrants are being treated brotherly and respectfully.
While referring to the Kashmir issue, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that 8 million Kashmiris have been suffering lock-down for more than 180 days.
Addressing to conference Foreign Minister Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said “Even today we continue to host three million registered and unregistered Afghan refugees,” Qureshi said while adding that these efforts are based on Islamic principles of hospitality for compassionate crowds.
UNSG reiterates Kashmir resolution lies as per the UN resolution
During his three-day visit to Pakistan, the UNSG said that the Kashmir issue must be resolved as per the United Nations Resolutions 39, and 47. He added that the resolution of Kashmir is inevitable to de-escalate the rising tensions between Pakistan and India which is worrisome for the region.
I am closely following vital peace efforts in Afghanistan to reduce violence, especially against civilians.
By building regional consensus, Pakistan’s role in this process remains crucial.https://t.co/fAlIPJb9vA pic.twitter.com/RyT2E0excI
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 16, 2020
Antonio Guterres reiterated that the human right must be respected in the Indian occupied Kashmir and there must be free movement of the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir as the Kashmir people enjoy the freedom of movement in Pakistan.
He also offered intermediation to resolve the Kashmir issue to bring peace and prosperity to the region.
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Moreover, Guterres said that UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) should be given free access. “It is already there on the Pakistan side, and it should also be given on the other side,” he said.
However, India declined the offer of the UN Secretary-General and saying that there is no need for the third party to decide the fate of Kashmir.
In this regard, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the Kashmir issue would be discussed bilaterally, there is no role or scope for third party mediation.”
UNSG will visit Kartarpur Corridor during his three days visit in Pakistan
The visit by the United Nations Secretary-General to the Kartarpur Corridor will be an opportunity to acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts in maintaining peace in the region. It is noteworthy that Pakistan initiated the Kartarpur Corridor in order to facilitate the Sikh community visiting Guru Naka in Pakistan. This corridor has also opened new avenues for increasing trade between businessmen on both sides of the border.