NEW YORK – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, condemning it as a “systematic slaughter” and bloodshed.
Addressing the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the prime minister said it was a “great honor” to speak at the UNGA for the second time as Pakistan’s leader.
“Today, we confront some of the greatest threats to the world order: Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, the dangerous conflict in Ukraine, violent clashes across Africa and Asia, rising geopolitical tensions, resurging terrorism, rampant poverty, crippling debt, and the growing impact of climate change. We feel the chill of a new world order,” he said.
Expressing the “deep pain” of Pakistanis over the suffering in Gaza, PM Shehbaz remarked, “Our hearts bleed as we witness the unfolding tragedy in the holy land, a catastrophe that shakes the very conscience of humanity and the foundations of this institution.”
He questioned whether the world could stay silent as “children lie buried beneath the rubble of their shattered homes” and mothers cradle the lifeless bodies of their children.
“This is not just a conflict; it is the systematic slaughter of innocent Palestinians. It assaults the very essence of human life and dignity. The blood of Gazan children stains not only the hands of the oppressors but also those complicit in prolonging this brutal conflict.”
He added that humanity is diminished when the “endless suffering” of Palestinians is ignored, declaring, “It is not enough to condemn; we must act now and demand an immediate end to this bloodshed.”
Lebanon issue
Alluding to the recent Israel strikes in Lebanon, the prime minister said the failure to implement the UN resolutions has emboldened Israel. He said it threatens to drag the entire Middle East into a war, whose consequences could be grave and beyond imagination.
Kashmir issue
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the issue of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stated that like Palestine, the people of occupied Kashmir have long been struggling for freedom. He highlighted that the Indian military’s atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir continue, and the brutal acts of the occupying forces in Kashmir demand the world’s attention.
The prime minister noted that on August 5, 2019, India revoked the special status of occupied Kashmir and is now settling outsiders in the region. He accused India of attempting to turn the Muslim majority in occupied Kashmir into a minority.
PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan will give a decisive response to any Indian aggression and stressed that for peace in the region, India must reverse its unilateral actions in occupied Kashmir.
He also expressed concern over the rising incidents of Islamophobia globally, particularly the increasing hate crimes against Muslims in India.
The challenge of terrorism
Talking about the scourge of terrorism, the prime minister stated that Pakistan’s brave soldiers, children, and citizens have sacrificed their lives in the fight against this menace. He vowed to defeat the extremist elements at any cost.
He added that Pakistan is working with the international community to eradicate all forms of terrorism and ensure peace and security through determination and stability.
The prime minister urged the Afghan interim government to eliminate terrorist groups operating on their soil, noting that ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and extremist elements in Afghanistan pose a threat to peace.
Climate change
Regarding climate change, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that it is a major global challenge. He recalled that two years ago, devastating floods caused $30 billion in damage to Pakistan, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals in collaboration with global partners.
Global financial system
Speaking on the global financial system, the prime minister stressed the need for reforms, pointing out that over 100 developing countries are trapped in debt. He said reforms in the global financial system are essential.
The prime minister mentioned that due to effective policies, Pakistan’s economy is improving, economic indicators are getting better, and inflation is declining.
In conclusion, he reminded the audience that God has promised to help the weak and oppressed.
Immediately after PM Shehbaz Sharif’s speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage at the General Assembly.
In protest, the Pakistani delegation, along with representatives from other countries, walked out of the hall.
