Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif’s Speech at the UN General Assembly

Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif delivered a lengthy and often combative address to the UN General Assembly on Friday, taking aim at India with claims about recent hostilities, asserting that Pakistan had effectively humiliated Indian forces.

He acknowledged President Donald Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

In his opening remarks, Sharif offered a grim view of global affairs. “Our world today is more complicated than ever. Conflicts are intensifying, international law is being brazenly disregarded, humanitarian crises are escalating, and terrorism poses a serious threat. Disinformation and fake news challenge our very existence, especially for countries like Pakistan,” he stated.

Sharif defended Pakistan’s actions related to a recent clash with India that followed deadly terrorist attacks on Indian civilians in the Pahargam tourist area of Kashmir. India condemned Pakistan for allegedly harboring terrorists responsible for the attacks that claimed 26 lives, a claim Pakistan denied.

He described the conflict as triggered by an “unprovoked attack” from India.

“The enemy has become blinded by arrogance. We brought them back to humiliation and delivered bloody noses!” he exclaimed, emphasizing his points by thumping the podium.

However, military analysts have a different perspective. Scores from the recent conflict indicate that while India inflicted significant damage on Pakistani targets using missiles and drones, Pakistan’s assertions of downing several Indian fighter jets remain unverified, leading to skepticism regarding those claims.

Regardless of the outcome of the recent skirmishes, many observers agree that, as Sharif pointed out in his speech, a prolonged war would bring severe consequences for both countries.

Sharif accused India of manipulating a humanitarian tragedy to gain political advantage while attacking Pakistani cities and civilians. He asserted, “When our territorial integrity and national security were threatened, our response adhered to our right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.”

He praised the “remarkable courage and professionalism” of the Pakistani military in responding to Indian aggression, reiterating claims that Pakistani jets had effectively incapacitated several Indian fighters, which, if true, would cast doubt on India’s military credibility. His assertion was met with applause from some Pakistani representatives at the UN.

Concluding with compliments for “martyrs” and military officials, Sharif noted Trump’s “bold leadership” in fostering a ceasefire, despite emphasizing that Pakistan held a position of “strength.”

“We express our deep gratitude to him for his active role in triggering a ceasefire,” he said, attributing Trump’s interventions to averting a larger war in South Asia. He even suggested nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to peace.

Sharif also expressed thanks to allies like China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Iran, along with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for their support during this critical juncture.

“We have won the war, and now we strive to achieve peace,” he asserted. Furthermore, he stated that Pakistan is open to thorough, outcome-focused dialogue with India regarding unresolved issues while still criticizing New Delhi.

Sharif articulated the need for constructive leadership in South Asia over provocative tactics, pointing to India’s unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Convention as opposed to international norms.

This treaty, established in 1960, governs the sharing of water from major rivers between India and Pakistan. Sharif argued that India’s potential violations could severely threaten Pakistan’s water supply.

In response to past attacks, India halted participation in the treaty, feeling the Pakistani government had failed to address the issue adequately. Recently, India announced plans for projects that could divert significant water flow from the Indus River, sparking further tensions.

Sharif expressed outrage, insisting that these developments infringe on the rights of Pakistan’s 240 million citizens. He asserted, “For us, this violation of the Indus Treaty represents an act of war.”

He made a bold statement about Kashmir, declaring, “Indian tyranny will cease,” calling for the region to obtain the right to self-determination through a fair UN-sponsored referendum.

Furthermore, Sharif connected the Kashmir issue to broader injustices faced by Palestinians, referencing ongoing challenges in Gaza, and lamenting “the long-term injustice” experienced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation.

He passionately demanded an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, reflecting on the ongoing suffering in Gaza and urging global leaders to act.

Sharif praised those European nations that have recognized Palestine, encouraging others to follow suit as urgent action is necessary.

He concluded by emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism and called for global cooperation against hate speech and Islamophobia. He also highlighted his country’s struggles with climate change, stating that developing nations are unfairly burdened as they face increasing environmental challenges.