Shehbaz Sharif Addresses UN General Assembly, Highlights Global Challenges,
New York -Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the UN Charter. He began by congratulating the President of the General Assembly on his election and thanking Ambassador Dennis Francis for his skilled stewardship of the 78th Session.
The Prime Minister quoted the Father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who declared in 1947 that Pakistan stands by the United Nations Charter and will gladly make its full contribution to peace and prosperity worldwide. Pakistan has stood by this commitment unwaveringly.
Today, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized, we are facing the most daunting challenges to the world order, including Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, the dangerous conflict in Ukraine, destructive conflicts across Africa and Asia, rising geopolitical tensions, resurging terrorism, galloping poverty, stifling debt, and the mounting impact of climate change.
The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s strong stance on Palestine, calling for its recognition as a full member of the United Nations and emphasizing the need for a Two-State solution. He condemned Israel’s unrelenting bombing of Lebanon, resulting in over 500 casualties, including women and children.
Shehbaz Sharif criticized the failure to implement UN resolutions, which has emboldened Israel and threatens to drag the entire Middle East into a war with grave consequences. He demanded an immediate end to the bloodshed and urged the international community to work towards a durable peace.
Regarding Kashmir, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to UN resolutions and the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people. He condemned India’s human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir, including extra-judicial killings, abduction of young Kashmiris, and attempts to change the demographic composition of the region.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that India’s aggressive ambitions are a threat to regional peace and called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute through dialogue and implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan will respond decisively to any Indian aggression, he warned.
The Prime Minister also addressed climate change, emphasizing the need for collective action and the polluter pays principle. Pakistan, having suffered greatly from climate-related disasters, seeks international cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals.
In 2022, Pakistan was devastated by catastrophic floods, causing $30 billion in damages. The country emits less than 1% of global carbon emissions but pays a heavy price for climate change. Shehbaz Sharif urged developed countries to fulfill their commitment to provide $100 billion annually in climate finance.
Shehbaz Sharif discussed Pakistan’s economic challenges and the measures taken to restore macroeconomic stability. Despite difficulties, Pakistan has controlled fiscal deficits, strengthened reserves, and revived economic growth. The government prioritizes geo-economics, regional connectivity, and investments in resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, minerals, sustainable agriculture, and technology.
The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism, having defeated terrorist groups within its borders. However, the country faces a new wave of externally financed terrorism, and Shehbaz Sharif pledged to eliminate this threat through collective national efforts.
Pakistan seeks the earliest possible normalization of the situation in Afghanistan and endorses the UN’s appeal for $3 billion in humanitarian assistance. The Afghan Interim Government must respect human rights, promote political inclusion, and neutralize terrorist groups.
Shehbaz Sharif concluded by emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to solidarity, friendship, and cooperation with African nations and its support for UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. He urged the international community to work together to address global challenges, uphold human rights, and promote justice and equality.
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