Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the ongoing atrocities by Israeli forces against the Palestinian people on Thursday, urging the international community to come together for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of an independent Palestine.
Addressing reporters alongside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Sharif stressed that peace in the region cannot be achieved without a united push for Palestinian statehood.
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“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.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, expressing outrage over the violence and genocide in Gaza.
“I am here to represent the sentiments of the people of Pakistan; our hearts resonate together. We unequivocally condemn these brutal acts,” Sharif stated, noting that over 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the past year, with cities, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure devastated.
He commended the resilience of the Palestinian people, asserting that their sacrifices and perseverance would ultimately lead to the establishment of the State of Palestine. “Their courage will not be in vain,” he added.
Support for Palestine from Pakistan:
During the press conference, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas praised Pakistan for its enduring support of the Palestinian cause. He highlighted that Pakistan has consistently backed Palestine since before 1948, offering both diplomatic and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
“Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to Palestine extends beyond supporting students; it is also evident in its position at international forums,” Abbas stated.
Demand for UN Sanctions Against Israel:
During the High-Level Open Debate of the UN Security Council on ‘Leadership for Peace’ on Wednesday, Sharif called on the international body to impose sanctions on Israel, including an arms and trade embargo, due to its genocidal 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. Sharif also condemned Israeli bombings in Lebanon, demanding accountability for Israel’s actions against both Palestinian and Lebanese civilians.
He emphasized the need for the Security Council to urgently create an impartial plan for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Additionally, he addressed other global issues, such as the war in Ukraine, rising tensions among major powers, and increasing global poverty, which he warned could undermine the foundations of world peace.
Other Global Issues:
Sharif took the opportunity to address other urgent international matters, including the Kashmir conflict. He urged 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, emphasizing the widespread violations of fundamental rights in the region.
The Prime Minister also called on the Council to confront the resurgence of terrorism, especially from Afghanistan, and to actively support African nations in their fight against terrorism and foreign interference.
Sharif’s day at the United Nations headquarters was filled with meetings, including discussions with financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. In comments to the media, he expressed appreciation for the recent approval of Pakistan’s IMF program, highlighting the importance of unity for its success. He noted that the IMF delegation acknowledged his government’s efforts and expressed hope for future collaboration with the World Bank to enhance the economic situation in Pakistan.
Regarding the Gaza conflict, Sharif condemned the ongoing violence, describing it as “the worst massacre in history,” and called for immediate international action to establish a ceasefire.
