The visiting President UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espionosa called on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad today (Friday).  

They discussed the regional and international issues including Kashmir. The Foreign Minister apprised the visiting dignitary of Pakistan's grave concern over the gross human rights violations by the Indian forces in occupied Kashmir.

He called for implementing the UN Security Council's Resolutions on Kashmir in letter and spirit to resolve this longstanding issue.

Both sides agreed that a strong and vibrant United Nations is inevitable for the lasting peace and stability in the world.

Later, in a joint press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said we had a very constructive meeting with the UNGA President during which the issue of human rights abuses in Occupied Kashmir was also effectively highlighted. He said the visiting dignitary was informed of the grave extent of violations by occupied Indian forces in the held valley.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the UNGA was informed that Pakistan has been hosting more than three million Afghan refugees for the last four decades. He said Pakistan is actively engaged with Afghanistan for a long and durable solution to the Afghan conflict as it believes peace in the neighboring country is also in its own best interest. He said Pakistan believes in Afghan-led and Afghan owned peace process.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he discussed with the President of the UN General Assembly the steps taken by PTI government to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. The government has embarked upon a plan to plant 10 billion trees in the country in next five years to make it greener and environment friendly.

The Foreign Minister said the UNGA President was informed that a number of laws have been passed in recent years to protect the rights of women and raise their socio-economic profile in line with the sustainable development goals.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the role of international peacekeeping by Pakistani troops was also shared with the UNGA President. Pakistan is among the top troop contributors and its armed personnel have rendered huge sacrifices in peace keeping operations around the world.

Speaking on the occasion, the UNGA President Maria Fernanda Espinosa appreciated Pakistan's active and vibrant role in the realization of goals of the United Nations. She said Pakistan has conformity of views with many shared goals of the United Nations. 

She lauded the billion true Tsunami project of the PTI government, hoping it would turn the country into greener area with sustainable development. She said all member states need to play their role in overcoming the impacts of global climate change.

The UNGA President while acknowledging the importance of youth bulge in Pakistan said the United Nations will support and assist the steps taken by the government to utilize the potential of this large segment of society, including through education and training and creation of job opportunities.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa appreciated Pakistan for hosting such a large number of Afghan refugees over all these years.

Later, President United Nations General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espionosa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad today.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi were also present in the meeting.