NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged for an immediate end to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon during a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York on Wednesday.
During his meeting with the UN Chief, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s “genocidal campaign” against Palestinians and emphasized the urgent need for an unconditional ceasefire. He called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding support for the establishment of a viable and sovereign State of Palestine.
During their discussions, PM Shehbaz welcomed UN Chief Guterres’ initiative to organize the “Summit of the Future,” expressing hope that the summit would facilitate developing countries in bridging the financial gaps necessary for implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate goals.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to brief Guterres on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting Pakistan’s serious concerns regarding India’s egregious actions in the occupied Valley. He stressed the need to resolve the Kashmir dispute to ensure lasting peace and stability in South Asia. He urged the UN Secretary-General to leverage his influence for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and to uphold the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people.
Had a warm and cordial conversation with @UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres @antonioguterres on sidelines of #UNGA79 in NY. I congratulated him on convening the #SummitOfTheFuture, hoping it will bridge financing gaps for SDGs & climate goals in developing nations. We… pic.twitter.com/u4odHiMmR2
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 25, 2024
The Prime Minister also underscored the growing challenge of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims globally. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to contributing to international peace and security, particularly in its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-26 term.
Secretary General Guterres thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan’s active engagement at the United Nations as well as for its role towards international peace and security in the form of its UN’s Peacekeeping force.
