NEW YORK (National Times) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he presented Pakistan’s position on major regional and global issues. The prime minister began his speech with the recitation of a verse from the Holy Quran and said he was representing the peace-loving people of Pakistan at the global forum.
The premier takes credit for bringing arch-rivals Islamabad and Iran to the negotiating table under the Islamabad Talks after a turbulent period. He lamented the devastating security situation in the Middle East.
Pakistan brought US, Iran together in Islamabad
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had brought the United States and Iran together under one roof in Islamabad, creating an opportunity for dialogue. He said the efforts of Field Marshal Asim Munir had helped create space for diplomacy, stressing that the call for diplomatic engagement must continue to grow.
The prime minister also called for the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb to remain open, saying the strategically important waterways should not become chokepoints for conflict.
‘Attack on Haramain is a red line’
One of the strongest messages in Shehbaz Sharif’s address concerned the attempted drone attack targeting the holy city of Makkah. The prime minister said the attack had caused grief and outrage among Muslims around the world. He declared that an attack on the Haramain Sharifain is a red line, while reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.
Shehbaz also addressed the Makkah Agreement, making it clear that the agreement was not aimed at any particular country. According to the prime minister, the pact represents a joint effort to strengthen defence and promote peace in the region.
Pakistan-India War
Turning to the recent conflict with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz said India had attacked Pakistan on what he described as a false pretext. He said Pakistan exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The prime minister said Pakistan, under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, confronted India and taught it a lesson that, in his words, India would never forget.
Trump’s role in Pak-US War
Shehbaz Sharif also praised the role of US President Donald Trump, saying his leadership helped save the lives of millions of people in South Asia. He recalled that two nuclear-armed neighbours had been on the verge of an open war.
The prime minister stressed that the international community must ensure South Asia never reaches such a dangerous situation again.
Kashmir Issue
Shehbaz said lasting peace in South Asia required the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He called for a plebiscite in Kashmir under the United Nations framework, saying the people of Kashmir should be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination.
The prime minister further alleged that collective punishment was being imposed in Kashmir and that attempts were being made to alter the region’s demographics.
Indus Waters Treaty
The prime minister also raised the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty, accusing India of unilaterally terminating the agreement. Shehbaz said India’s unilateral decision had no legal standing. He further said the move had been rejected by the United Nations and the Court of Arbitration.
From the UNGA podium, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif therefore placed diplomacy, protection of the Haramain, freedom of navigation, regional peace, Kashmir and water security at the centre of Pakistan’s message to the international community.
Ahead of his UNGA speech, PM Shehbaz met UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter. The two sides also discussed developments in the Middle East, Palestine, Afghanistan and terrorism.
