Nawaz Sharif To Rake Up Kashmir At UNGA

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will address the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, prominently raising the issue of alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nawaz Sharif is all set to use the world stage to display his support for Kashmir and the ongoing unrest in the Valley following Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's death, sources told CNN-News18.

In an attempt to deflect the blame for Uri terror attack, Nawaz at UNGA will also argue that India is targeting Pakistan for attacks to distract the world's attention from Kashmir, sources said.

But Pakistan's rhetoric may have already run its course with at least four of the permanent members of the security council issuing statements in India's favour after the Uri terror attack.

Heavily-armed militants on Sunday stormed a battalion headquarters of the Indian Army in North Kashmir's Uri town in the wee hours, killing 18 jawans and injuring 19 others in the attack in which all four terrorists were gunned down.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also urged the US to help resolve issues between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Sharif met US Secretary of State John Kerry in New York on Monday on the sidelines of the ongoing 71st UN General Assembly session, Dawn online reported.

"Pakistan has always fought terrorism as a moral obligation. I have always reached out to neighbouring countries for regional peace, stability and prosperity," he said.

"I still remember (former) president (Bill) Clinton's promise that the US will play its role to help out in resolving bilateral disputes and issues between Pakistan and India."

"I expect the US administration and Secretary Kerry to use his good offices to help resolve issues between Pakistan and India," the Prime Minister added.

Sharif emphasised that strong relations between Pakistan and the US remained a mutual desire and this partnership was critical to ensuring regional peace and stability.

Nawaz Sharif arrived in New York on Sunday and is scheduled to address the session on Wednesday where he would specifically focus on the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.