Pakistan makes another failed attempt to rake up Kashmir at UN High-Level session

Even as it has been almost a year since India abrogated Article 370 that provided special rights to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has t stopped raising issue at international platforms, despite several unsuccessful attempts. This, despite India making it clear more than once that issue is India's internal matter. On July 17, Pakistan's Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi while addressing High-Level Segment of UN ECOSOC titled 'Multilateralism after COVID 19: what kind of UN do we need at 75th anniversary?' raked up Kashmir issue once again.

Even as global leaders underscored importance of reformed multilateralism to ensure an "effective collective response" to global crises such as COVID-19 at a high-level session, Pakistan used it to rake up issue of Jammu and Kashmir and oppose expansion of Security Council's permanent membership.

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Qureshi said Pakistan was "particularly concerned" by "oppression and atrocities being perpetrated against people of Jammu and Kashmir." He added that Security Council will t be revitalised by accommodating narrow ambitions of those who seek power and privilege. "Additional permanent members in Security Council will compound, t resolve, its paralysis. Indeed, it is small and medium sized states with highest stake in UN-led world order, which can help to promote an equitable and effective structure of international peace and security," he said.

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PM Modi's address

India has been at forefront of efforts at UN to push for urgent long-pending reform of Security Council, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at UN high table as a permanent member. Delivering keyte address, PM Narendra Modi, spoke about history of United Nations and India's association with it since it birth - 75 years ago. He talked about role India has played in ECOSOC via its domestic efforts in achieving its sustainability goals by 2030. Highlighting Modi government's 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' motto, PM Modi listed various schemes anunced and implemented by Centre, domestically. This is first time PM Modi is addressing session after India's election to UN Security Council.

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UN - ECOSOC high-level conversation

United Nations Ecomic and Social Council (ECOSOC) had hosted high-level conversation among leaders on global solidarity and renewed multilateralism during times of crisis and in continuing pursuit of long-term sustainable development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and rwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg were among world leaders who addressed High-Level Segment. session was aimed at reflecting on kind of multilateralism needed today to deliver a forward looking and effective collective response to global crises such as COVID-19 and long-term challenges such as climate change, while accelerating progress towards implementation of 2030 nda.

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(with PTI inputs)