Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Condemns Israeli Atrocities at UNGA
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities committed by Israeli forces against the Palestinian people during a press conference on Thursday, urging the international community to unite for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of an independent Palestine. His remarks were made alongside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Sharif emphasized that lasting peace in the region is unattainable without a collective call for Palestinian statehood. “The time has come for all of us to unite and call for an immediate ceasefire and the formation of the State of Palestine. Without this, peace will remain elusive, and if this situation continues, tensions will escalate significantly,” he cautioned.
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Reiterating Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, Sharif expressed outrage over the violence and loss of life in Gaza. “I am here to represent the sentiments of the people of Pakistan; our hearts resonate together. We unequivocally condemn these brutal acts,” he stated, highlighting the staggering toll of over 41,000 Palestinian lives lost in the past year and the widespread devastation of cities, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
He praised the resilience of the Palestinian people, asserting that their sacrifices would ultimately lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. “Their courage will not be in vain,” he added.
Support for Palestine from Pakistan
During the press conference, President Abbas commended Pakistan for its unwavering support of the Palestinian cause, noting the country’s backing since before 1948 through diplomatic and humanitarian aid. “Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to Palestine extends beyond supporting students; it is also evident in its position at international forums,” Abbas remarked.
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Demand for UN Sanctions Against Israel
During a High-Level Open Debate of the UN Security Council on ‘Leadership for Peace,’ Sharif called for international sanctions against Israel, including an arms and trade embargo, due to its actions against the Palestinian people. “We must force Israel to stop its genocidal campaign in Gaza and prevent its efforts to incite a larger conflict in the Middle East,” he asserted. He also condemned Israeli bombings in Lebanon, demanding accountability for the harm inflicted on both Palestinian and Lebanese civilians.
Sharif urged the Security Council to create an impartial plan for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. He also addressed other global issues, including the war in Ukraine, rising tensions among major powers, and increasing global poverty, which he warned could undermine world peace.
Other Global Issues
Sharif did not shy away from addressing the Kashmir conflict, urging the Security Council to enforce resolutions calling for a plebiscite for self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir. “The council can no longer overlook the escalating issue of Kashmir, which poses a significant threat to global peace and security,” he stated, highlighting the fundamental rights violations in the region.
He also called on the Council to confront the resurgence of terrorism, particularly from Afghanistan, and to actively support African nations in their fight against terrorism and foreign interference.
Throughout his day at the UN headquarters, Sharif engaged in discussions with financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. He expressed gratitude for the recent approval of Pakistan’s IMF program, stressing the importance of unity for its success and noting the IMF delegation’s recognition of his government’s efforts.
Regarding the Gaza conflict, he condemned the violence, describing it as “the worst massacre in history,” and reiterated the urgent need for international action to establish a ceasefire.
