Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif emphasised the urgent need for global action to address the humanitarian crisis in Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly’s 79th annual session.
Opening his speech with a recitation from the Holy Quran, he highlighted the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the escalating conflict in Ukraine.
Urgent Call for Palestinian Statehood
Prime Minister Sharif condemned the genocide in Gaza, stating that Palestinian children are suffering unimaginable horrors while the world watches in silence.
He called for immediate recognition of Palestine as a permanent member of the United Nations, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. “Merely condemning the violence is not enough; we must act decisively to stop the bloodshed and support the two-state solution to end the suffering in Gaza,” he asserted.
Rising Regional Tensions
The Prime Minister further warned of the escalating Israeli aggression in Lebanon, which he said could lead to a broader conflict in the region. He also drew attention to the ongoing atrocities faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, urging adherence to UN resolutions regarding their right to self-determination.
PM accused the Indian government of attempting to alter the demographic balance in Kashmir, stressing that Pakistan would respond decisively to any acts of aggression from India.
Climate Change and Economic Challenges
In his address, Prime Minister Sharif noted that Pakistan contributes only 1 per cent to global temperature increases yet remains one of the countries most affected by climate change. He emphasised the pressing challenges posed by environmental changes this century, underscoring the need for international cooperation to combat climate issues.
Additionally, he highlighted recent economic developments, stating that inflation in Pakistan has decreased to single digits. He expressed concern over terrorism funded by external aid and noted the presence of terrorist groups such as the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) operating from Afghanistan. He called on the Afghan interim government to take action against groups involved in cross-border terrorism.
International Solidarity
Following Prime Minister Sharif’s speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly, prompting a walkout from the Pakistani delegation and representatives from other nations in protest. This act underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the international community’s division over the issue.
In summary, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s address served as a significant reminder of the urgent humanitarian and geopolitical issues facing Palestine and the broader region, calling for a collective global response to restore peace and justice. The Prime Minister began his speech with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
