The prime minister said in his opening remarks, "Its an honour for me to address the United Nations General Assembly for the second time as the prime minister of the country that has always been the proactive member of the UN Assembly.”
He said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the country, declared that Pakistan to stand by the UN resolutions and Pakistan has stood by this commitment unwaveringly.
He maintained, “Today, we are facing most daunting challenges to the world order — Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, a dangerous conflict in Ukraine, destructive conflicts across Africa and Asia, rising geo-political tensions resurging terrorism, galloping poverty, stifling debt and a mounting impact of climate change. We feel the chill of a new world order.”
After beginning his speech by reciting verses from the Holy Quran, the PM said, “It is an honour for me to address the General Assembly for the second time as prime minister.”
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter, and highlighted the numerous challenges facing the world today. He noted, “The current global situation presents immense challenges, many of which have been exacerbated by climate change.”
Condemning the Israeli genocide in Gaza, the prime minister said, “We denounce Israel’s continued aggression in Gaza,” he remarked, adding that the tragic events in Gaza had “shaken humanity to its core.”
He said, “No one can remain silent over the killing of innocent children, women, and defenceless civilians.” He stressed that those prolonging Israeli aggression had “blood on their hands” as well.
Mr Shehbaz said, “The blood of the Palestinians will not be in vain,” the prime minister vowed, urging the international community to take meaningful action towards sustainable peace and a two-state solution.”
He also called for Palestine to be recognised as a full member of the United Nations.
Saying that the failure to implement UN resolutions has heightened risks in the Middle East, he regretted, "Israel has been given a free hand to escalate its aggression."
He said that the Kashmir issue remains on the UN Security Council’s agenda, pointing to existing resolutions that affirm the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir.
Condemning the ongoing human rights violations by India in occupied Kashmir, he said, "It was agreed that Kashmiris would be granted their right to self-determination."
He said that India was making "malicious attempts" to alter the demographic composition of occupied Kashmir, noting that non-locals are being resettled in the region. He noted that despite Indian oppression, the people of Kashmir continue to uphold the ideology of Burhan Wani.
Warning that India’s aggressive ambitions pose a threat to regional peace, the PM said that “India has not responded to Pakistan’s positive proposals.”
"Pakistan will deliver a decisive response to any Indian aggression," he said.
As per a statement by Foreign Office earlier, Sharif is expected to urge the UN to resolve these key issues, both of which have been on the UN Security Council’s agenda for years. The premier will call for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and stress Pakistan’s support for the UN’s role in maintaining global peace, security, and prosperity.
“Pakistan stands committed to working with all UN member states to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, foster peace, and promote global prosperity,” Sharif is expected to tell the General Assembly, according to an official briefing.
As an incoming member of the UN Security Council for 2025-26, Sharif will reiterate Pakistan’s intention to play an active role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
In his speech, the prime minister will also address a range of pressing issues, including the impact of climate change, Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terrorism, and the financial strain on debt-ridden countries. Furthermore, he will draw attention to India’s occupation of Kashmir and condemn what he describes as the “genocide” of Palestinians by Israeli forces.
