Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar delivered a speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of this critical moment in history, with ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war creating tensions among global powers.
PM Kakar highlighted the commitments made to implement sustainable development goals during the recent climate summit. He called for the realization of these commitments through the rechanneling of unused special drawing rights and resolving the debt problems of countries in distress.
Pakistan’s triple food, finance, and fuel challenge, exacerbated by the impact of the Covid pandemic, conflict, and climate change, was also mentioned. The Prime Minister acknowledged Pakistan as one of the worst affected countries by climate change, with devastating consequences such as last year’s epic flood, which affected millions of people and caused significant damage to infrastructure and the economy.
PM Kakar expressed gratitude for the commitment of over $10.5 billion towards Pakistan’s comprehensive plan for recovery and rehabilitation. He emphasized the importance of timely funding and execution of projects to support Pakistan’s recovery, with an estimated cost of $13 billion. The Prime Minister assured that his government is dedicated to rapid economic recovery, stability of reserves and currency, and attracting both domestic and foreign investments.
Additionally, PM Kakar talked about the rising wave of Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) politics and its potential repercussions on global peace. Responding to allegations made by Canada against India related to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, he warned that the “disgusting reality” hidden behind Hindutva could lead to war. The Prime Minister stressed the need to address this issue at different forums, not for propaganda but to shed light on the dangerous implications of this ideology.
PM Kakar mentioned that Hindutva politics has affected Pakistan’s region, specifically Balochistan, and highlighted Pakistan’s evidence to support its claims, including the confession of Indian military officer Kulbhushan Jadhav. He emphasized the importance of understanding and taking action against this dangerous phenomenon rather than mocking Western countries for not heeding the warnings.
Regarding the rise of militancy, PM Kakar stated that Pakistan has the capacity to deal with terrorism through its counterterrorism operations. He emphasized the country’s close coordination and communication with neighboring countries in addressing the issue.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and stability while addressing various challenges, including climate change, debt distress, and Hindutva politics. His speech aimed to create awareness and foster international cooperation to overcome these pressing issues.