Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session, raising urgent issues including India’s state-sponsored terrorism against Pakistan, violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, and the ongoing Kashmir dispute.
Following his address at the UNGA, PM Shehbaz discussed key national and regional matters with the Secretary-General, emphasizing the need for a just and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions. He commended Guterres’ role in helping ease recent tensions during the recent Pakistan-India border conflict and underlined the importance of sustained international engagement for peace and stability.
The Prime Minister strongly condemned the sponsorship and safe haven provided to terrorist groups targeting Pakistan, specifically pointing to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majid Brigade, which operate with sanctuary and support from Afghanistan. He highlighted concerns about cross-border terror attacks, including the recent attack on the Jaffer Express train, underscoring Pakistan’s demand for Afghanistan to end support and cooperation with these groups.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, PM Shehbaz expressed deep concern over India’s suspension of the agreement, terming it a blatant violation. He warned that any breach of Pakistan’s water rights would be considered an act of war, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to defending the rights of its 240 million citizens to their water resources.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, the Prime Minister voiced Pakistan’s firm support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He condemned the Israeli military actions and expressed solidarity with Qatar following the Israeli attacks on the country.
He also thanked the UN for acknowledging Pakistan’s response to recent devastating floods and urged the international community to provide enhanced financial support to vulnerable countries like Pakistan facing severe climate challenges.
Pakistan’s Stand Against Terrorism, Peace, and Justice
In his earlier address to the UN General Assembly, PM Shehbaz Sharif described the world as more complex and conflict-ridden than ever, with escalating humanitarian crises and terrorism posing grave threats to global peace. He lamented the blatant violations of international law and the spread of disinformation undermining trust among nations.
“Terrorism is one of the most serious threats to humanity today,” the Prime Minister stressed. “Pakistan has borne the brunt of terrorism and stands as a wall protecting not only its own people but the world.”
He recalled the recent conflict on Pakistan’s eastern border in May, when India launched unprovoked attacks. Pakistan responded decisively under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, successfully repelling the aggression and downing seven Indian fighter jets. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs and their families, affirming their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, he highlighted the country’s willingness to engage in comprehensive peace talks with India to resolve all outstanding issues. However, he warned that India’s continued violations of the Indus Waters Treaty would not be tolerated.
PM Shehbaz also praised former U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts for peace in the region and announced Pakistan had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of these initiatives.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to multilateralism and the United Nations as the key platform to address global challenges, including climate change and conflict resolution.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Regional Peace and Security
Throughout both his meeting and address, PM Shehbaz underscored Pakistan’s role as a responsible non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, committed to promoting peace, justice, and development. He called for increased international cooperation to tackle terrorism and condemned the use of Afghan territory as a safe haven for militants destabilizing Pakistan’s Balochistan region.
On Kashmir, the Prime Minister assured that Pakistan stands firmly with the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination and vowed that India’s illegal occupation would end.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s strong stance in support of the Palestinian people, demanding an immediate ceasefire and long-term solution to their suffering.
