Sharif raises Kashmir in UN, India hits back saying 'first de-terrorise Pak'

Sharif proposed a four-point agenda to diffuse tensions between his country and India with regard to the Kashmir issue as well as the frequent reported incidents of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Working Boundary (IWB) that separates the two nations in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Cooperation, not confrontation, should define our relationship with India. Yet today ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary are intensifying, causing civilian deaths including women and children. I want to use the opportunity today to propose a new peace initiative with India, starting with measures that are the simplest to implement," he said.

• He suggested that Pakistan and India formalise and respect the November 26, 2003 understanding for a complete ceasefire on the Line of Control in Kashmir. For this purpose, he called for the UNMOGIP's expansion to monitor the observance of the ceasefire.

• Secondly, the Pakistan Prime Minister said both countries needed to reaffirm their resolve not resort to the use of force under any circumstances, which he added was a central element of the UN Charter.

• Thirdly, Sharif proposed that steps should be taken to demilitarise Kashmir.

• Fourth Pakistan and India should agree to an unconditional mutual withdrawal from Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battleground.

However, India was quick to issue a rebuttal to Sharif's India centric speech in the UN. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in a tweet that de-militarising Kashmir is not the answer for achieving peace, but de-terrorising Pakistan is. On Sharif describing Pakistan as the primary victim of terrorism, Swarup said, Pakistan is a victim of its own policies and the prime sponsor of terrorism.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj might respond to Sharif's speech today in the UN.

(With inputs from agencies)