YouSaid · the spoken record

Pervez Musharraf

lines on the record: 48
first: 2001-09-24
most recent: 2003-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We are on the cusp of a new millennium. It is a decisive moment in history. We must decide whether to flow with the currents that threaten confrontation and the collapse of civilizations, or to muster the collective will to chart the course of history towards a peaceful and cooperative global society. The leaders assembled 20 here bear an enormous responsibility to rescue our world from war and violence, poverty and pestilence; to redress inequity and impoverishment, which breed despair and destruction; and finally, to collectively construct a new global architecture of peace and prosperity for all peoples and all nations.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Those Powers which desire peace, stability and security in South Asia, and oppose the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, must review their decisions to offer such major strategic- weapons systems to India. They must contribute to maintaining arms restraint and a military balance in South Asia. The crises and conflicts of the past decade have enhanced, not diminished, the relevance of the United Nations. The United Nations remains the central forum for dialogue and diplomacy, and it must be strengthened. The Security Council must be made more representative by increasing the number of non- permanent members. New permanent members will only expand inequality. States which occupy and suppress other peoples, and defy the resolutions of the Council, have absolutely no credentials to aspire to permanent Security Council membership.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“And, may I add, if India is genuinely concerned about infiltration across the Line of Control, we ask that it agree to a viable mechanism to monitor such infiltration on both sides of the Line. The United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan could be enlarged for that very purpose. Apart from addressing Kashmir, sustainable security in South Asia requires India and Pakistan to institute measures to ensure mutual nuclear restraint and a conventional-arms balance. Unfortunately, India has embarked on a massive build-up of its conventional and non-conventional military capabilities — advanced offensive aircraft, ballistic and cruise missiles, anti- ballistic-missile systems, nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier. That will destabilize South Asia and erode strategic deterrence.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“On the contrary, it is India which violates international law by refusing to implement Security Council resolutions and by perpetrating gross and consistent violations of human rights in Kashmir. Once again, from this rostrum, I invite India to join Pakistan in a sustained dialogue to resolve the Kashmir dispute. I am convinced that, with goodwill, we can find a just solution which is acceptable to India, to Pakistan and, above all, to the people of Kashmir. I also invite India, jointly with Pakistan, to observe a complete ceasefire along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Pakistan would also be prepared to encourage a general cessation of violence within Kashmir involving reciprocal obligations and restraints on Indian forces and on the Kashmir freedom movement.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“A just solution of that dispute holds the key to peace and security in South Asia. I am glad that India has stepped back from its dangerous and failed experiment in coercive diplomacy last year. Despite some improvement in the political atmosphere, India continues to suppress the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people to exercise their right of self- determination, in accordance with Security Council resolutions. It refuses Pakistan’s offers of dialogue to address and resolve the Kashmir dispute once and for all. India cites cross-border terrorism in order to reject dialogue. It knows full well that the Kashmiri struggle is indigenous. India seeks to exploit the international anti-terrorist sentiment after 11 September to delegitimize the Kashmiri freedom struggle.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Therefore, we must revive faithful implementation of the road map and must realize the vision of two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace within recognized boundaries. We must ensure successful implementation of the Bonn process in Afghanistan. The international stabilization force should be expanded and enlarged to ensure security and control over all parts of Afghanistan by President Karzai’s Government. Pakistan will continue to contribute to interdicting and arresting al Qaeda and associated terrorists. We will further intensify our economic cooperation with Afghanistan. It is essential that Afghanistan’s territory not be used by third countries for interference or for terrorism against Afghanistan’s neighbours. Jammu and Kashmir has been rightly described as the most dangerous dispute in the world.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Pakistan would be prepared to help in a collective United- Nations-sanctioned Arab and Islamic effort to help the Iraqi people, if they themselves wish us to do so. Endeavours to stabilize Iraq will be enhanced by progress in promoting peace with justice in the Middle 19 East. Hopes for a just and comprehensive peace were aroused earlier this year by the Quartet’s road map; those hopes have been progressively dimmed. But failure is not an option at all. The fate of the Palestinian people is the principal factor in determining public and political perceptions in the entire Islamic world. It is only progress towards a just peace that can marginalize the extremists.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Iraq cannot be allowed to remain an open wound. That would have an impact on the region and could inject a new dimension into the campaign against terrorism and extremism. The consensus that is developed must enable the Iraqi people, through an inclusive political process, to determine the sequence of steps leading to a fully representative Iraqi Government and to an end to occupation. The Iraqi people should assume control of their resources and of their political destiny as soon as possible. They must receive the full support of the international community, including Iraq’s neighbours and the Arab and the Islamic countries, in building security and in reconstructing their country.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“They must seek science and technology, higher education and human resource development. The international community — especially the advanced countries of the West — must deliver the other pincer in this strategy of enlightened moderation. They can do so by helping to resolve political disputes and situations in which Muslim peoples are being suppressed, such as in Palestine and Kashmir; by rejecting attempts to equate terrorism with Islam; and by assisting the Muslim world in poverty alleviation and in socio-economic development. The United Nations itself has a crucial role to play in the conception and execution of the strategy of enlightened moderation. In that context, it is clear that a consensus must be quickly developed at the United Nations on ways to restore Iraq’s stability, security and sovereignty.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Our faith is dynamic, promoting constant renewal and adaptation, through the process of ijtihad — interpretation through consultation. Islam’s vision is not trapped in any one period of history; it is modern and futuristic. Islam must not be confused with the narrow vision of a few extremists. I believe the way forward is to adopt a two- pronged — or double-pincer — strategy to build harmony, promote moderation, oppose extremism and ensure justice. I call this the strategy of enlightened moderation. On the one hand, Muslim nations must assume their responsibility for internal reform and renewal. They are at the crossroads. They must eschew extremism and confrontation. They must embrace the march of human civilization. They must address the deficits in their social and economic development.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Muslims are often seen as fanatics, extremists and terrorists. Against the background of this volatile milieu, the recent war in Iraq evoked negative reactions in most Arab and Islamic countries. This moment in history calls for reflection, introspection and action. The thesis of a clash of civilizations is a travesty. We must bridge the gulf of misunderstanding between Islam and the West. We must be the catalysts of change, not the prophets of doom. Islam is a faith of peace, harmony and justice. Islam is democracy in action. It upholds human rights, social equality, non-discrimination and freedom of speech. The protection of minorities is an article of faith in Islam. It does not discriminate on the basis of colour, caste, creed or religion.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The war against terrorism must be fought comprehensively, on a global front, with vision and understanding. It should not erode the moral values of our societies. It must not be hijacked by those who seek to use it as an excuse to suppress other peoples. It must not be allowed to engender a clash of civilizations — a clash between Islam and the West. It is unfortunate that great religions — which should be a source of hope, tolerance and peace — are seen as being pitted against each other. Many Muslims believe their eternal faith is being demonized. They see Muslim peoples being cruelly suppressed for demanding freedom and equality, or targeted for discrimination and worse. On the other hand, the West perceives the Islamic world as volatile and hostile, bent upon striking at Western values.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Terrorists have struck repeatedly around the world — in Indonesia, Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Kenya and my country, Pakistan. 18 The tragedy of 11 September 2001 transformed security policies and changed geopolitical calculations. Pakistan took a strategic decision, based on our principles of humanity and national interest, to support the war on terrorism. There should be no doubt whatsoever about intentions. Our actions speak louder than words. Our capabilities were limited, but they have been progressively improved. We are acting against al Qaeda and its associates very effectively. We have also acted against other organizations or groups involved in any form of terrorism. Pakistan will remain at the forefront of the war on terrorism.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Sadly, those hopes were dashed — by ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, and then in Kosovo; by the failure to end the occupation of Palestine, leading to the revived intifada against Israeli occupation; by the brutal suppression of the Kashmiri’s demand for self-determination and freedom from Indian occupation; by the unending war in Afghanistan and the international neglect which created a climate in which extremism and terrorism could breed; and by the series of international financial crises and the rise of poverty as a consequence of unequal economic globalization. The terrible terrorist atrocity of 11 September 2001 jolted the foundations of the international system. The response has weakened al Qaeda, but it has not eliminated its associates.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“It is with great pleasure that I extend to you, Mr. President, our warmest felicitations on your election. I also congratulate your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Jan Kavan, for his effective leadership during the previous session of the General Assembly. We support Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s efforts to infuse a new sense of mission into the United Nations and maintain the centrality of its role in the promotion of global peace and security. We pay tribute to the memory of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello and the other United Nations officials who sacrificed their lives in the service of peace. When the Berlin Wall collapsed, hopes revived for a new age of cooperation and peace, free from ideological confrontations.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We have to create a safer world for our future generations — a world of peace and conciliation, not one of conflict and tension.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“An international regime to interdict and return illegally acquired wealth to the developing countries will make a genuine contribution to the reduction of corruption and poverty alleviation in those countries. Despite current differences among Governments, people from both rich and poor nations are beginning to embrace universal values and common goals: avoiding war; ending poverty, hunger, disease, discrimination and human rights violations; promoting democracy; sharing technology; creating decent work for all; and protecting the environment. We must capture this growing spirit of global humanism to advance the quest for global prosperity and universal peace. This can be accomplished only by the United Nations. Our decisions and actions today will shape events of the future. We must rid ourselves of forces of intolerance and radicalism.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The international community must urgently revive the Middle East peace process also to realize a comprehensive and just peace on the basis of Security Council resolutions and the principle of land for peace. Pakistan supports the full and faithful implementation of all Security Council resolutions. In our globalizing yet divided world, the most important war we must fight is the war against poverty. The objectives of this war have been identified — at the Millennium Summit, at Doha, Monterrey and Johannesburg. We must implement the commitments made in an integrated and coherent manner. Let me state here that a pernicious aspect of the international banking system is the stashing away in secret accounts in developed countries of money acquired illegally by corrupt elite from developing countries.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In 30 days, we will hold national, provincial and Senate elections, completing the process of restoring true democracy in Pakistan. We in Pakistan remain extremely happy with the positive changes in Afghanistan after two decades of conflict. We fully support President Hamid Karzai. We appreciate the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, to bring hope and peace to the long-suffering Afghan people. We believe that faithful implementation of the Bonn process and the Tokyo commitments is essential for success. Ensuring credible security in Kabul and other centres is of paramount importance. This was brought home by the attempt made a few days ago to assassinate President Karzai.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In three short years, my Government has laid the foundations of sustainable development and sustainable democracy in Pakistan. We have empowered the people by devolving decision-making to the grass-roots level. We have improved human rights, virtually eliminated exploitive child labour and empowered the women of Pakistan. We have rationalized economic policies and, despite internal and external shocks, set Pakistan on the path of sustained economic growth. Pakistan has also become the first country to set up a human 16 development fund, with the collaboration of the United Nations Development Programme, and a national volunteers corps for the achievement of the millennium goals of poverty alleviation and human development.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The international community must act to oppose extremism in India with the same determination it has displayed in combating terrorism, religious bigotry, ethnic cleansing and fascist tendencies elsewhere in the world. Even as Hindu fundamentalism is rising in India, Pakistan is waging a successful struggle to restore its traditions of a tolerant Islam. We are acting vigorously to eradicate the sad legacy of the Afghanistan war: religious extremism, drugs and guns. We in Pakistan are determined to transform into reality the vision of our founding father, the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, for a progressive, modern, democratic Islamic State. We wish to play a constructive role in promoting peace and prosperity in South Asia, Central Asia and the Gulf region.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“To ensure sustainable peace and stability in South Asia, a Kashmir solution should be accompanied by agreed measures for nuclear restraint and a conventional arms balance between India and Pakistan. India's ongoing massive military build-up reflects its known desire for domination over South Asia and the Indian Ocean. In the interest of regional and global stability, this must be discouraged. India's belligerence also reflects the chauvinistic ideology of the Hindu extremist parties and organizations. Rising Hindu fanaticism in India has targeted Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and even the scheduled-caste Hindus. Last February, an estimated 2,000 innocent Muslims were massacred and burned alive in Gujarat with the complicity of the Bharatiya Janata Party's state leaders. There must be accountability for this massacre.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In this dangerous situation, crisis management should not be allowed to become a substitute for conflict resolution. The steps required to avoid a conflict and advance peace in South Asia are clear: first, mutual withdrawal of forward-deployed forces by both States; secondly, observance of a ceasefire along the Line of Control in Kashmir; and, finally, cessation of India's state terrorism against the Kashmiri people. Simultaneously to all this, a dialogue must be resumed between India and Pakistan. The structure for such a dialogue was agreed between Prime Minister Vajpayee and myself at Agra. The Kashmiris should be fully associated with the dialogue on Kashmir and should be allowed to travel freely to Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Such elections, under Indian occupation, will not help peace. They may set it back, in fact. The people of Jammu and Kashmir must be allowed to exercise their right to determine their own future in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. Despite India's provocations and threats over the past year, Pakistan has acted with restraint and responsibility. We have advanced several peace proposals. They have all been spurned by India. Let me declare from this rostrum: Pakistan will not start a conflict with India. But let me also declare that, if war is thrust upon us, we shall exercise our right to self- defence fully and very effectively. Today, peace in South Asia is hostage to one accident, one act of terrorism, one strategic miscalculation by India.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Misusing the rationale of war against terrorism, India has sought to delegitimize the Kashmiri freedom struggle, tarnish Pakistan with the brush of terrorism and drive a wedge between Pakistan and its coalition partners. Boasting of its coercive capability, India has deployed about a million troops in battle formation against Pakistan. Such threatening and aggressive posturing will not resolve disputes. We in Pakistan cannot be coerced or frightened into compromising our principled position on Kashmir. The conflict in occupied Kashmir is being waged by the Kashmiris themselves. No amount of external assistance could have inspired the Kashmiri people to sacrifice the lives of 80,000 of their youth and to sustain their struggle for decades against India's occupation army. India's planned elections in Kashmir will once again be rigged.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“As a first step, may I propose that the General Assembly consider the adoption of a declaration on religious and cultural understanding, harmony and cooperation. There is a need to address the root causes of terrorism. It is not religion which impels a terrorist act; it is often a sense of frustration and powerlessness to redress persistent injustices. When a people's right to self-determination and freedom are brutally suppressed by foreign occupation, they may be driven to put up 15 resistance by all means. Terrorist attacks must be condemned, but acts of terrorism by individuals or groups cannot be the justification to outlaw the just struggle of a people for self-determination and liberation from colonial or foreign occupation, nor can it justify state terrorism.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We have arrested and deported foreign suspects found on our territory. We are determined not to allow anyone to use our soil for terrorist acts inside or outside Pakistan. However, some quarters are unfortunately utilizing the war against terrorism as a vehicle to spread hatred against Islam and Muslims. Terrorism has neither creed nor religion. In a globalized world, religious and cultural diversity should be a vehicle for complementary creativity and dynamism, not the rationale for a new ideological or political confrontation. A sustained dialogue between the Islamic and Western nations is essential to remove the veil of ignorance and prejudice and to promote harmony and cooperation.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I extend to you, Mr. President, my felicitations on your election. I also congratulate your predecessor, Dr. Han Seung-soo, for his able stewardship of the preceding session of the General Assembly. We commend Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his commitment and dedicated efforts in the pursuit of the Charter's purposes and principles. I also congratulate Switzerland and East Timor on their admission as members of the United Nations. Last year, this Assembly met under the shadow of the terrorist attacks on New York, our host city. The horror of that day galvanized the international community to combat this modern day evil which threatens to destabilize our societies. Pakistan is in the forefront of the fight against terrorism. We have made major sacrifices in this war. We have interdicted infiltration by Al-Qaida into Pakistan.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Our resolve to hold elections to the Provincial and National Assemblies and to the Senate in October 2002, in accordance with the road map I announced last August, will remain unchanged in spite of the prevailing environment in the region. In conclusion, and in view of the fact that we are going through a time of enormous trials and tribulations, I wish to make an appeal — an appeal for the sake of mankind, for the sake of our future generations and for the sake of a better world. Let justice prevail; let no people be wronged; let suffering be eliminated; let discontent be addressed; let humanity rise as one nation to eliminate subjugation of the weak; and let there be peace.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“I would now like to very briefly cover internal developments in Pakistan. Over the past two years, the focus has been on economic revival, poverty alleviation, the improvement of governance in Pakistan, political restructuring and the introduction of genuine democracy in the country. We have successfully put in place a sound democratic structure that is based on empowerment of the people at the grassroots level. A revolutionary step has been taken through the provision of one third of the seats to women on the district-level governing councils. I want to put on record at this gathering that Pakistan is proud of this representation and empowerment of women, which is a unique feature in the world.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Pakistan was not the first to initiate nuclear tests and will not be the first to resume them. We are ready to formalize a bilateral treaty with India for a mutual test ban. We have strengthened our export controls and have established multi-layered custodial controls on all our nuclear assets. Let me assure the Assembly that our strategic assets are very well guarded and in very safe hands. We are constantly upgrading our command and control measures, and we have instituted an elaborate nuclear command and control mechanism for ironclad custodial controls to ensure the safety and security of all our assets. Pakistan is opposed to an arms race in South Asia, be it nuclear or conventional. We will maintain deterrence at the minimum level. We want to live in the region with honour and with dignity.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Pakistan is deeply conscious of the nuclear dimension of the security environment of our region, the danger it poses and the responsibility it places on nuclear-weapon States, particularly the two nuclear States in South Asia. We are ready to discuss how Pakistan and India can create a stable South Asian security mechanism through the peaceful resolution of disputes, the preservation of the nuclear and conventional balance, confidence-building measures and the non-use of force, as prescribed by the United Nations Charter. In this context, we are ready to discuss nuclear and missile restraints, as well as nuclear risk-reduction measures, with India, in a structured, comprehensive and integrated dialogue. Pakistan is fully aware of the responsibilities of its nuclear status. We have declared a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Restrictions have long been imposed on the laundering of drug money, and the money supply for terrorists is being choked off. Why can similar restrictions not be imposed on the money-laundering of loot? I appeal, through this forum, to all of the developed countries to legislate against deposits of ill- gotten money, to assist in investigating the looters and to ensure the early return of the plundered wealth to its countries of origin. In fact, I would not be far off the mark if I were to state that, with the return of this looted money, many of the developing countries might 4 be able to pay back their debts and revive their economies.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Poverty and deprivation lead to frustration, making the masses vulnerable to exploitation by extremist organizations. It is the collective moral responsibility of the developed world to address this issue squarely, through substantive economic uplift, poverty alleviation and social action programmes in the developing countries. Economic imbalances have to be removed in order to achieve a just, equitable and harmonious world order. A major step in this direction would be to reduce, if not eliminate, the debt burden, which hangs like a millstone around the necks of the poor and the underdeveloped. The bigger tragedy of the third world is that their rulers, together with their minions, plunder their countries’ wealth and are afforded easy access to safe havens to stash away the loot in the first world.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“This effort would entail, at the minimum, the restoration of water- management systems; the revival of agriculture through land development; the reconstruction of the physical infrastructure — roads, buildings and utilities; and the establishment of institutions. A stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the vital interests of the region and, in particular, of Pakistan. Conditions must be created for the more than 3 million refugees in Pakistan to return to their country. We propose the establishment of an “Afghan trust fund”, under United Nations auspices, for the rehabilitation and reconstruction effort. I would now like to focus on the harsh realities in the developing countries, which have a relationship with extremism of all kinds.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Assistance to Afghanistan should be in two forms: first, ongoing humanitarian assistance; and secondly, post-military operations, rehabilitation and reconstruction. To offset the ill-effects of the ongoing military operation, it is imperative that we launch a more coordinated and concerted humanitarian relief effort inside and outside Afghanistan, with more generous funding. This will go a long way to alleviating the sufferings of the common Afghan. It is equally important that we, concurrently, formulate a post-operation rehabilitation programme for when peace returns to Afghanistan.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It must remain the effort of the coalition, after achieving its military objectives, to prevent a vacuum leading to anarchy, through the immediate application of joint political and rehabilitation strategies. In our view, the political set-up in Afghanistan must be home-grown and not imposed — and I say that having knowledge of the Afghan psyche. We must ensure the unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, within a broad-based, multi-ethnic dispensation, representative of the demographic composition of the country. The people of Afghanistan have been suffering the ravages and devastation of conflict for over two decades. It is the moral obligation of the world community to support them generously.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Regrettably, we did not meet with success, and the coalition operation against terrorists in Afghanistan continues, with no immediate end in sight. Sadly, the civilian casualties resulting from this action are increasingly depicted as an open war against the already poor, suffering and innocent people of Afghanistan. The world in general, and Pakistan in particular, mourn the loss of these innocent lives, and sympathize with the bereaved. It is desirable that the military operation be as short and as accurately targeted as possible. It is also essential that a fall-back political strategy be evolved which could attain the same objectives as those being sought through military application. In its entirety, dealing with Afghanistan involves a three-pronged strategy to address military, political and humanitarian-cum-rehabilitation issues.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Then, too, we were a front-line State — and what we got in return was 3 million refugees, a shattered economy, drugs and a Kalashnikov culture, to be dealt with single-handedly and through our own limited resources. Pakistan only hopes that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated and that Pakistan’s legitimate concerns will be addressed. Our economy again faces a 3 crisis from the fallout from the operations in Afghanistan. We need financial and commercial support on an urgent basis, and hope that this will be forthcoming. After the events of 11 September, and after Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda became an international issue, Pakistan tried its utmost, up to the last moment, to work with the Afghan Government so as to avert military action in Afghanistan.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In essence, therefore, to tackle the issue of terrorism in its entirety, we need to follow a three-pronged strategy of going for individual terrorists; moving against terrorist organizations; and addressing disputes throughout the world in a just manner. After the events of 11 September, Pakistan took a deliberate, principled decision to join the world coalition in its fight against terrorism. This decision has catapulted us, once again, into the position of being a front-line State in the battle against terrorism. While the people of Pakistan have accepted this new reality, they still suffer from a sense of betrayal and abandonment as a result of being left in the lurch in 1989 after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“A just and honourable solution for the people of Kashmir and an end to the miseries of the people of Palestine are the major burning issues that have to be addressed vigorously, boldly, imaginatively and urgently. We must get to the root causes; cosmetic solutions will only make matters worse. Consider the analogy of a tree: terrorists are like so many leaves — take out some, and there will be plenty more, an unending growth. Terrorist networks are branches: prune a few, and there will be others, and further growth. The only way to do deal with them is to go for the roots. Eliminate the roots, and there will be no tree. The roots are the causes, which need to be addressed, tackled and eliminated, fairly, justly and honourably, so as to give people back their dignity, self-respect and honour.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The images of those moments when the World Trade Centre towers came down will remain definitive for all the agony, disbelief and loss that people suffer from acts of terror all over the world. All forms of terror must be condemned, prevented and fought against, but in condemning them the world must not trample upon the genuine rights, aspirations and urges of the people who are fighting for their liberation and are subjected to State terrorism. To fight the extremist, deprive him of his motivation. The extremist survives in an environment where millions suffer injustice and indignity. Deprive him of his support by giving all the peoples of the world peace, security, justice and dignity, regardless of faith, religion or creed.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The question then becomes, are the people asking for their rights in accordance with United Nations resolutions to be called terrorists, or are the countries refusing to implement United Nations resolutions perpetrators of State terrorism? In Kashmir, Indian occupation forces have killed over 75,000 Kashmiris, attributing these killings to foreign terrorists. It is time that India stopped such deceit. United Nations Security Council resolutions on Kashmir must be implemented. Media images of the Palestinian child, Mohammed Al-Durra, were etched into the hearts and minds of people all over the world. It is perverse to regard the rape of Kashmiri women as a punishment inflicted in the course of war.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“It is to be condemned no matter who the perpetrator, be it an individual, a group or a state. We need to ask ourselves what really causes these extreme acts around the world. To my mind, it is unresolved political disputes: disputes in Bosnia, Kosovo, Palestine, Kashmir and other places. Unfortunately, all these disputes involve Muslims and, what is more sad, Muslims happen to be the victims in all of them. This fact tends to give a religious tinge to these otherwise political disputes. The lack of progress in resolving them has created in Muslims a sense of deprivation, hopelessness and powerlessness. The frustration grows even worse when disputes like those relating to Kashmir and Palestine, which have been the subject of Security Council resolutions, remain unsettled.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“In this dark hour, we owe it to posterity to shed light on some dangerous and growing trends, misconceptions and 2 misperceptions which, if not countered, may lead the world into even greater disorder and disharmony. Muslims in various parts of the world, and the religion of Islam itself, are being held responsible for the trials the world is facing. This point of view is totally misplaced. Just as all religions teach peace and love for fellow beings, so Islam places upon its adherents the obligation to do good, to be generous, merciful, kind and just to all fellow beings. The Muslim greeting “Assalam alaikum”, meaning “Peace be with you”, symbolizes the very essence of the Islamic faith. Islam is a religion of peace, compassion and tolerance. Terrorism is not a Christian, Buddhist, Jewish or Muslim belief.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“At a time of such great turmoil, when there is a need for clear thought and firm action, I come from Pakistan with a message of determination and resolve as well as a message of peace for all peoples. The General Assembly meets this year under the shadow of a horrendous act of terror perpetrated against the people of the United States — an act for which no grievance or cause can ever be a justification, an act that must be condemned unambiguously and in the strongest words. This was an attack on humanity itself and we all must therefore unite to fight this scourge. Pakistan has followed words with actions. Now that the world has committed itself to fight against terrorism, it is time for introspection.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Last year, at the Millennium Summit, all of us were looking forward to a renaissance in the new millennium — a renaissance in the hearts and minds of people, for a better world where peace and justice would prevail. Unfortunately, today we gather against the sombre backdrop of the terrorist outrage that the world witnessed in shock and horror on that fateful day of 11 September. In seconds, images of fire and death reached all of us around the globe. Thousands of innocent lives were lost in minutes. Eighty or more nations lost some of their brightest and their best. Pakistan, like the rest of the world, mourned the colossal loss of innocent lives. The map of the world changed, and the entire globe descended into a deep crisis.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“I would like to extend to you, Mr. President, my felicitations on your election. I also wish to congratulate your predecessor, Mr. Harri Holkeri, for his stewardship of the millennium session of the General Assembly. Deep appreciation is also due to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his untiring efforts to translate the vision of the Millennium Declaration into policies and actions by the world community. Mr. Secretary-General, please also accept my heartiest congratulations on the award of the centenary Nobel Peace Prize conferred upon you and your Organization, and on your election for a second term to your prestigious office.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)