A peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue has to be found following the UN Charter and UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions as agreed in the Simla Agreement between Pakistan and India, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Volkan Bozkir has said.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the UNGA president lamented what he said was a lack of large political will for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute compared to the Palestinian issue which had more will behind it.

Bozkir called upon all parties to refrain from changing the status of Jammu and Kashmir, Dawn reported.

Bozkir, who held a meeting with Qureshi, said it was Pakistan's duty to bring the Jammu and Kashmir issue to the United Nations platform with more vigor.

"I think it is the duty, especially Pakistan's, to bring this [issue] to the United Nation platform more strongly," said Bozkir, adding that he agreed that the Palestinian issue and the Kashmir issue were of the same age.

“A solution was to be found through peaceful means under the UN charter and UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions as agreed in the Simla Agreement between Pakistan and India,” he said.

Qureshi said he also briefed Bozkir on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan's role in its peace process.

Bozkir said the solution to the Afghan issue would have regional and global effects.

"I think what Pakistan is doing together with Turkey and Afghanistan is very important," adding that it was necessary to take the opportunity and "appreciate your efforts and hope that you will come with a success story".

He described as “remarkable” Pakistan's performance in dealing with Covid-19, which he said was "remarkable" and comparatively much better than other countries.

Earlier, Bozkir called on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and held discussions on regional and international peace and security, sustainable development and economic recovery efforts because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, the premier and UNGA president exchanged thoughts on Palestine, the Jammu and Kashmir issue, Afghan peace process, and illicit financial flows from proceeds of crime, corruption and bribery.

Prime Minister Imran also underlined Pakistan's "strong commitment to multilateralism with the UN playing a central role".

(SAM)