Ambassador Munir Akram (Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations): The UN General Assembly session is going to be held at a critical time as the world is facing a number of challenges. Overall, some important meetings on the occasion will be held including sustainable development, climate goals, pandemic prevention and other international issues. The caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan will hold bilateral meetings with different world leaders and the Secretary General of the United Nations. During his interaction, the Prime Minister will highlight the Kashmir issue as it is the main bone of contention between Pakistan and India, the two nuclear powers. The summit will be important for Pakistan and other developing countries as the developed nations responsible for carbon emissions will be urged to compensate the countries at the forefront of climate disasters. Moreover, member countries will be urged for provision of additional financial liquidity for the developing nations.
Najam-us-Saqib (Former Ambassador): We cannot overemphasize the importance of the UNGA summit that is held in this month every year where international and bilateral issues are discussed. The Prime Minister will definitely express concerns on horrendous human rights violations committed by the Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, it would be a great opportunity for the Prime Minister to showcase the goals of Pakistan in front of the world. Pakistan is in dire need of foreign investment and the caretaker Prime Minister would highlight the potential of foreign investment in different sectors of Pakistan. The Prime Minister in his address will also discuss the Afghan issue. It is unfortunate that Al-Qaeda, a terrorist organization, has been given some important positions in the Taliban government setup. The international community needs to understand that terrorism is not the issue of a single country. Rather, if practical measures to curb this menace are not taken then the entire world will face the consequences. The Prime Minister will also talk about the relief in debt and the compensation against climate disasters to the developing countries.
Dr. A. Z. Hilali (IR Expert): Security Council is the most influential forum of the United Nations. The Kashmir issue is still the unfinished task of the UN and unfortunately the UNSC is unable to implement its own resolutions on the Kashmir dispute. Although India has tried its best to exclude the Kashmir issue from the agenda of the United Nations, this issue is still alive despite a strong Indian lobby and heavy investment. It is need of the hour that Kashmiris are given the right to self-determination for the sake of regional peace and stability. The international media is also exposing cruel Indian policies and human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Even the Indian intellectuals are also voicing their support for Kashmiri people. It is responsibility of every intellectual in Pakistan to highlight the Kashmir dispute and change the public opinion in this regard.