During his speech at the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA), Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif focused largely on criticizing India, while highlighting his government’s diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding mediation between the United States and Iran.
He noted, “Unfortunately, in February this year, conflict engulfed the Gulf, along with the wider Middle East. Precious lives were lost. Economies suffered. Critical maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, came under severe pressure.”
Sharif mentioned, “At this critical moment, Pakistan chose to act swiftly. Through concerted efforts, Pakistan successfully brought Washington and Tehran under one roof in Islamabad. From Islamabad talks to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, many historic steps were taken to bring an end to this serious conflict.”
He lamented the “dangerous surge of hostilities” in the region, advocating for more diplomacy as a necessary approach. He referred to vital economic pathways threatened by terrorism associated with Iran and its Houthi allies in Yemen, emphasizing, “These waters must carry the promise of prosperity, not the perils of war.”
Sharif condemned “in the strongest possible terms” recent attacks by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia, including an attempted drone strike on Mecca, which he said has “outraged Muslims worldwide.” He firmly stated that threats to the sanctity of Mecca are “a red line that must never be crossed.”
Expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia, he reinforced Pakistan’s commitment through the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, insisting that this alliance is aimed at fostering stability and peace in the region, not directed against any specific country.
Sharif went on to claim that Pakistan faced aggression from India under a dubious pretext last year after a terrorist attack on Indian civilians. He asserted that Pakistan emerged victorious in that brief conflict, albeit with less fervor than in previous years.
“Our brave and valiant armed forces, under the courageous leadership of Field Marshal Shaheed Azam Munir, responded with precision and professionalism,” he declared, while acknowledging that India might remember the conflict differently, as evident from the reactions of Indian representatives at the UN.
He credited President Donald Trump with saving millions in South Asia, asserting that Trump’s intervention during a tense moment prevented a potential war between nuclear-armed neighbors. “Who knows the devastation that could have been averted had President Trump not stepped in?” he pondered.
Sharif suggested that preventing future conflicts requires addressing the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing that the Kashmiri people have awaited a fair plebiscite for decades amidst ongoing suffering under occupation. He mentioned the “illegal occupation, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings,” and other abuses purportedly inflicted by India.
He referenced recent Indian actions aimed at altering Jammu and Kashmir’s legal status, claiming these efforts constitute demographic manipulation and have caused deep distress among the Kashmiri population. Sharif expressed Pakistan’s resolve to protect Kashmir’s interests and ensure a referendum for independence.
He also criticized India’s approach to the Indus River, which was partitioned between the two nations by a 1960 agreement. Sharif argued that India’s suspension of the treaty lacks legal merit and asserted, “Water must never be weaponized.” He made it clear that any attempt to disrupt Pakistan’s water supply would be considered an act of war.
Transitioning to the Palestinian situation, Sharif denounced Israeli actions against civilians, accusing Israel of pursuing a “genocidal agenda” and calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Notably, he did not address the attack by Hamas that triggered the current violence or the actions of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Sharif dedicated less time to Palestinian issues than many other Middle Eastern speakers and shifted focus to Pakistan’s ongoing problems with the Afghan Taliban and the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He demanded that Afghan authorities take decisive actions to prevent attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil.
In discussing rising “Islamophobia,” he specifically pointed to the treatment of Muslims in India, linking it to the Hindu nationalist RSS organization. He cited incidents of violence and religious intolerance, illustrating his points with recent events.
Toward the end of his address, Sharif defended Pakistan’s economic collaboration with China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and highlighted the need for stronger financial support for developing nations, insisting that developed countries, not Pakistan, should bear the brunt of climate change solutions. He appeared to shy away from attributing responsibility to China, the largest global polluter, regarding climate issues.
