NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed Friday’s 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He began by reciting verses from the Holy Quran and expressed his honor in addressing the General Assembly for the second time as prime minister. He congratulated the newly elected President of the UN General Assembly.
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter and highlighted the world’s many challenges, mainly due to climate change. He strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza, calling it a tragedy that has “shaken humanity.” He stressed that no one should remain silent about the killing of innocent civilians, including children and women. Sharif urged the international community to take action for sustainable peace and a two-state solution, insisting that the blood of Palestinians will not be in vain. He also called for Palestine to be recognized as a full member of the United Nations.
Sharif expressed concern about the failure to implement UN resolutions, which has worsened the situation in the Middle East. He criticized the free hand given to Israel in escalating its aggression.
The prime minister also raised the Kashmir issue, reminding the UN of resolutions that guarantee the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. He condemned India for human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and the attempts to change the region’s demographics by resettling non-locals. Sharif emphasized that despite Indian oppression, Kashmiris continue to uphold the ideology of Burhan Wani. He warned that India’s ambitions threaten regional peace and assured a decisive response to any Indian aggression.
Sharif also spoke about global crises like the war in Ukraine, which has added to the world’s challenges. He urged the international community to work for lasting peace and stability.
As expected, the prime minister called on the UN to resolve long-standing issues like Kashmir and Palestine. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the UN’s role in maintaining global peace. As an incoming member of the UN Security Council for 2025-26, Sharif promised Pakistan would play an active role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
He also addressed key concerns like climate change, terrorism, and the financial struggles of debt-ridden countries. He condemned what he referred to as the “genocide” of Palestinians by Israeli forces.
Other world leaders will also speak at the session, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Netanyahu’s speech comes as international attention is focused on Gaza and Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict.
