PM discusses Kashmir, Afghanistan with UN chief

UNITED NATIONS: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had a 25-minute meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the world body's Headquarters in New York Thursday during which he discussed Kashmir and Afghanistan among a range of subjects.

Officials said the prime minister also expressed support for the UN chief's reform initiatives to make the organization more efficient and effective, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to UN peackeeing. Pakistan is among the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping operations around the world.

The prime minister also handed over to the secretary-general a dossier documenting human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

In this context, the prime minister urged the secretary general to appoint a special envoy on Kashmir. He said it was necessary since India had closed all the doors on any dialogue.

Prime Minister Abbasi and the UN secretary general also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and agreed on the need for a negotiated settlement to bring lasting peace in Afghanistan.

The prime minister also called for an expansion of UNMOGIP (United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan), which monitors the Line of Control.

Guterres said Pakistan was very dear to his heart and he had visited the country many times. He himself witnessed Pakistan's counterterrorism operations and was a great admirer of its efforts in that regard, he added.

He said he was also a great admirer of Pakistan's democratic consolidation. He fondly recalled his meetings with former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

He also conveyed the UN's gratitude for Pakistan's contribution to peacekeeping efforts.

AT the start of the meeting, the secretary general told the prime minister, "You have a fantastic ambassador. She is the shining star at the UN. She is a gracious hostess. And if you want the best meal in the town, go to her place."