Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Speech at the UNGA: A Call for Global Action
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the stage at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, delivering a powerful message on regional and international issues. His speech touched on pressing topics such as Kashmir, Palestine, climate change, and global poverty.
Pakistan’s Stand on Indian Aggression
PM Shehbaz didn’t hold back in addressing India’s continued aggression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He emphasized that Pakistan would give a strong response to any military moves by India. The premier also criticized India for abandoning its commitments to resolve the Kashmir dispute, accusing the Modi government of implementing a “Final Solution” in the region.
Shehbaz highlighted the ongoing oppression of Kashmiris, pointing out the settler-colonial tactics employed by India to alter the region’s demographics. He made it clear that Pakistan remains committed to the Kashmir cause, calling for a reversal of India’s actions since August 2019. Explore our Balochistan and KP coverage to learn more about regional politics.
Gaza and Palestine: End the Bloodshed
The prime minister’s speech also brought attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He referred to Israel’s actions as a “systematic slaughter,” urging the world to end the atrocities in Palestine. Sharif reminded the UN of Pakistan’s long-standing support for a Two-State solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state.
“We must act now,” he stated, pressing the global community to bring an end to the bloodshed in Gaza. Check out our section on the Middle East for further analysis on the region’s ongoing conflicts.
The Impact of Climate Change on Pakistan
PM Shehbaz also took the opportunity to speak about the devastation caused by climate change in Pakistan, particularly the 2022 floods that resulted in damages of over $30 billion. He criticized the global community for failing to address the issue, urging developed nations to fulfill their climate financing commitments.
He emphasized the idea that “the polluter must pay,” highlighting the imbalance in carbon emissions, where Pakistan contributes less than 1% but faces some of the most severe consequences. Explore how climate change is affecting Pakistan in our latest environmental analysis.
Addressing Global Terrorism
The fight against terrorism remains at the forefront of Pakistan’s agenda, with PM Shehbaz reiterating the nation’s determination to combat externally financed and sponsored terrorism. He specifically mentioned groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), stressing Pakistan’s resilience in the face of these threats.
Pakistan’s role in regional peacekeeping efforts, particularly in Afghanistan, was also a key part of the speech. The premier called for a $3 billion humanitarian assistance package for the Afghan people, urging the interim government to meet international expectations.
Moving Forward: A Call for Unity and Action
PM Shehbaz ended his speech with a call for global unity. From addressing conflicts in Ukraine to urging reforms in trade and technology regimes, the prime minister made it clear that global issues require collective action. His message resonated deeply with the challenges facing developing countries, especially the rising debt burden and the impacts of climate change.
For more in-depth insights into Pakistan’s role in global diplomacy, visit our section on Pakistan’s geopolitics.
