New Delhi, August 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at 7:30 pm on September 27. On the same day, his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan will also address the gathering of world leaders. His address, however, is scheduled to begin a couple of hours after Modi concludes his speech. Imran Khan to Raise Kashmir Issue at UNGA on Sept 27, Says India-Pakistan Conflict Can Lead to Nuclear War
The focus of the Indian PM's address to the UN this year is likely to be on regional development, climate change and counter-terrorism, said reports citing sources privy to the matter. He is also expected to counter Pakistan's propaganda on Kashmir at the international stage.
Imran Khan's address, on the other hand, would be completely centred around the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and the subsequent clampdown on communication lines imposed in the region.
In his special address to the nation earlier this week, Khan confirmed that he would be raising the Kashmir issue vigorously at the UNGA, even if he is not backed by other nations. He also expressed disappointment at Muslim-majority nations siding with India, claiming that they are acting "seflishshly" in view of their economic interests.
Meanwhile, the Indian and Pakistani governments continue to spar over the allegations of rights violations in Kashmir. On Wednesday, Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari sent a letter to the UN, claiming that the Indian forces are committing excesses in the Valley.
This was countered by the Indian Minister of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, accusing the leadership in Islamabad of issuing "irresponsible statements" on internal matters of India. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, while trashing the allegations of rights' violation, said not a single life has not been lost in the Valley since the abrogation of Article 370.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2019 05:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).