Nawaz Sharif Invokes Burhan Wani’s Name at UNGA, India Hits Back

In the UN address, the Pakistani Prime Minister also made a bid for his country’s NSG membership.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday with Kashmir being the focal point of the address.

Sharif toned down his rhetoric amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan and proposed entering into sustained dialogues with the former.

He invoked Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Burhan Wani’s name during the speech and called him a “young leader” whose life was cut short by the Indian forces. The Pakistani Prime Minister also demanded the release of all Kashmiri political prisoners from India.

Additionally, he pitched Pakistan’s bid to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Find Sharif’s complete speech here.

Key Takeaways From Sharif’s Address

India Hits Back at Pakistan

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted in response to Nawaz Sharif’s speech which he claimed “glorifies” slain Wani.

Pak PM Sharif at #UNGA glorifies Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani in UN's highest forum. Shows continued Pak attachment to terrorism.

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 21, 2016

Swarup also accused Sharif of being in complete denial of the Uri attack which resulted in the killing of 18 Indian soldiers on Sunday.

Pak PM Sharif at #UNGA in complete denial of Uri terror attack. 19 infiltration attempts stopped at LoC this year. Indigenous??!!

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 21, 2016

Protests Against Pak by Baloch Activists

Ahead of the Sharif’s speech, New York also saw protests outside the UNGA by Baloch National Movement activists against atrocities committed by the Pakistani army in Balochistan.

Also Read: Abdul Basit Reminded of Pak’s Commitment to Control Terrorism: MEA

Afghanistan’s Verbal Attack on Pakistan

Before Sharif’s address, Afghanistan’s second Vice President Sarwar Danish verbally attacked Pakistan at UNGA saying that the “world knows where Taliban leaders live, Pakistan doesn’t act against terrorists”.

He also said that the “attacks on American Universities were plotted on Pakistan soil.”