Kashmir is a core issue, to be raised at every forum, says Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif

Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly Session, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has once again reiterated that Kashmir is a core issue and that must be resolved.

Sharif made the statement while talking to reporters as he arrived in UK’s capital en route to the United States, where he will attend UN General Assembly’s 70th session. Sharif said, "Kashmir is a core issue, which must be resolved. And in my view sooner the two countries (Pakistan and India) start working on it, better it would be for them.” reported the tribune.

Stating that Pakistan will continue playing its due role with responsibility for peace and stability in the region, Sharif said, "The issue of Kashmir should be discussed at all levels and forums. “This issue should be discussed not only at international forum, but it should also be discussed at Pakistan-India bilateral forum,” reported Pakistan Today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sharif will be staying at the same hotel in US, as speculation grows on whether the two leaders will meet when they arrive in the city. On the sidelines of the session, Sharif will attend global leaders meeting on gender equality and women empowerment organised by China and UN women. Modi and Sharif last met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Ufa, Russia.

Pak PM will also address the plenary meeting of General Assembly for adoption of the post-2015 Development Agenda. Sharif will also attend receptions to be hosted separately by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and US President Barack Obama in honour of the visiting heads of state.

Meanwhile, putting pressure on Pakistan over terrorism, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said that India and the United States of America will join hands on their efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.