In his address at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar called for a unified effort to counter all forms of terrorism, including the threat posed by “Hindutva extremists”. The premier emphasised the need to combat the rising tide of far-right and fascist groups, such as Hindutva-inspired extremists, who are threatening genocide against India’s Muslims and Christians.
PM Kakar also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, injustice, foreign occupation, and distinguishing genuine freedom struggles from acts of terrorism. He proposed the establishment of a committee within the general assembly to oversee the implementation of the global counter-terrorism strategy.
Earlier, PM Kakar expressed concerns about the ramifications of Hindu nationalism politics, warning that it could lead to conflict on a global scale. He called attention to the dangers of Hindutva’s political agenda, stating that fascism and chauvinism are deeply rooted within it.
The prime minister also discussed the impact of Hindutva politics on the region, particularly in Balochistan. He mentioned the evidence Pakistan has to support its claims, including the confession of high-ranking Indian military officer Kulbhushan Jadhav. PM Kakar expressed the need for Western countries to understand and take action against the dangers of Hindutva extremism.
During his UNGA address, PM Kakar highlighted the challenges faced by the world, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions between global powers. He stressed the importance of global cooperation and collective action in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need to prioritize geoeconomics over geopolitics.
Addressing climate change, the premier called for the realization of commitments made during the recent climate summit. He urged the rechanneling of unused special drawing rights for development and the resolution of debt problems faced by 59 countries in debt distress. PM Kakar also called on developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments and accelerate carbon emission reduction efforts.
PM Kakar highlighted the impact of climate change on Pakistan, citing last year’s devastating floods that caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. He expressed gratitude for the committed support of over $10.5 billion for Pakistan’s recovery plan and emphasized the government’s commitment to economic recovery and stability.
Regarding the Kashmir issue, the prime minister emphasized the importance of peaceful relations between Pakistan and India. He called for the implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir and emphasized the need for global powers to urge India to accept Pakistan’s offer for mutual restraint.
PM Kakar also stressed the importance of peace in Afghanistan and advocated for continued humanitarian assistance to the Afghan population. He condemned cross-border terrorist attacks against Pakistan and highlighted the measures being taken to combat externally encouraged terrorism.
Towards the end of his speech, the premier highlighted the need to celebrate diversity and mutual respect, while condemning extremism, hatred, and religious intolerance, including Islamophobia. He called for concerted efforts to combat Islamophobia and proposed steps such as the appointment of a special envoy and the creation of an Islamophobia data centre.
In conclusion, PM Kakar’s UNGA address emphasized the need for global unity in countering terrorism, addressing climate change, resolving regional conflicts, and promoting diversity and mutual respect. The prime minister’s call for action against Hindutva-inspired extremism and Islamophobia highlights Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and beyond.