Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, underscoring Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sanctity and security of Islam’s holiest sites. He emphasized that Pakistan would never compromise on this principle while urging the international community to prioritize diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
Highlighting Pakistan’s preference for peace, the prime minister stated that the country had consciously chosen dialogue over confrontation. “War is a choice, and peace is also a choice. Pakistan has made its choice,” he remarked, reinforcing Islamabad’s dedication to negotiations and peaceful conflict resolution.
In a significant development, PM Shehbaz condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a thwarted drone strike targeting Makkah, which had alarmed Muslims worldwide. He declared the protection of the Holy Mosques as Pakistan’s “red line” and reaffirmed the nation’s solidarity with the Saudi people.
He further elaborated on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, describing it as a pact designed to promote regional peace and stability rather than to oppose any particular country. “The alliance of the three countries is not against anyone. It is a collective commitment to defence, stability and peace,” he explained.
PM Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic contributions, notably facilitating talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad. He praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for fostering an environment conducive to diplomacy and acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in this regard.
Addressing global trade concerns, the prime minister stressed the importance of keeping strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb open, given their critical role in international commerce and energy supplies.
Turning to regional disputes, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the Kashmir issue must be resolved in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, affirming continued support for the Kashmiri people. He also criticized India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to obstruct or divert Pakistan’s water resources would be regarded as an act of war.
On the Palestinian issue, the prime minister called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He expressed solidarity with Palestinians and condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the forced displacement of Palestinians. Additionally, he criticized Israeli actions in Lebanon and Syria, cautioning that such developments threaten international peace and security.
PM Shehbaz also addressed the rise of religious intolerance, expressing concern over increasing Islamophobia and calling for an end to religious hatred worldwide.
Regarding Afghanistan, the prime minister urged the Afghan government to meet its international obligations by preventing its territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan or any other nation. He highlighted the severe human and economic toll Pakistan has endured in combating terrorism, including the loss of approximately 100,000 lives and economic damages estimated at $150 billion.
Expressing gratitude, PM Shehbaz thanked Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, China, and other countries for their diplomatic efforts. He also acknowledged the role of former US President Donald Trump in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India.
Concluding his speech, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy, emphasizing the country’s determination to prevent South Asia from descending back into heightened conflict.
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