As campaigners for Kashmir it is our job to accurately assess the performance of Pakistan at the UNGA. Pakistan is under a new government headed by Imran Khan.
Firstly, everyone is aware that the situation in Kashmir is volatile. I have watched a number of performances by Pakistan at UNGA. This year, yet again the same old speeches were recycled. Its Foreign Office seems to believe it knows best by running a moderate approach while Kashmir is dying. The speeches were all delivered with great expertise but those of us who know the UN noted that
1. A resolution for a full inquiry was passed for Yemen. Pakistan has remained tight lipped on the resolution for Kashmir cleverly pushing the matter back into the UN's court. The last two opportunities following the human rights report by the UNHRC were missed. This means there will be no full inquiry this year.
2. There has been no request to the UNSC to request that India be referred to the International Criminal Court. Why is that? Only Pakistan knows
3. There has been no referral of the Kashmir Referendum issue to the ICJ? Again why is that? Only Pakistan knows.
4. Pakistan made no effort to protect its own reputation from Indian propaganda nor did it make an effort to fight for Kashmir's reputation online during the UNGA and #HRC39.
5. Imran Khan refused to attend UNGA. Make of this what you wish but he missed the use of this forum to stabilise Pakistan's reputation and counteract India's propaganda. Only Khan had the power and ability to turn around the Kashmir issue. He opted not to do that.
6. There's never any talk of trade sanctions
Unfortunately yet again, Pakistan allowed India to win the media propaganda. They though currently congratulate themselves on their UNGA performance. Sadly, it is with great sadness that I write this critique. I do not believe Pakistan has protected itself or Kashmir. Indeed, Kashmir is in for another years turmoil with no effective or constructive strategy from Pakistan. It has allowed India free reign to rule Kashmir with an iron hand.
Congratulations to Yemen. Kashmir has suffered 60+ years longer and not even Pakistan is brave enough to set down a resolution to ensure justice. Without justice there is no accountability and without accountability there is no peace.
Tea, sympathy and well crafted speeches is no longer enough for Kashmir or its people. They have all suffered enough. Despite three heavily critical UN Reports, Pakistan was unable to make good use of them to change the status quo. This is possibly due to their poor understanding of the negative impact of India's propaganda on itself and Kashmir. Pakistan offers no defence to online or in the paper media thereby undermining the hard work of its forces on the ground. Unfortunately, nothing has changed for Kashmir and unless Pakistan develops some diplomatic teeth, Kashmir will remain the victim of atrocities. Civilians are forced pay the price of constant diplomatic weakness.
Regards
Dr Rita Pal
Human Rights Defender for Kashmir
Complainant to the HRC www.kashmirhumanrights.com