New York: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif addressed the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing that mere condemnation of the ongoing atrocities in Gaza is insufficient; immediate action is required to halt the violence. He began his speech by quoting the Quran and denounced the brutal Israeli actions against Palestinians.
Sharif stated that Israel is engaged in genocide in Gaza, highlighting the profound humanitarian crisis that has shaken the world. He criticized global powers for their silence or limited response to these injustices.
He expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating that the hearts of the Pakistani nation beat for them, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing diplomatic and humanitarian support for Palestine. The Prime Minister urged the recognition of Palestine as a permanent member of the United Nations and pointed out that the failure to implement UN resolutions has exacerbated dangers in the Middle East, granting Israel a free hand to escalate its aggression.
Furthermore, Sharif addressed the Kashmir issue, reminding the assembly that it remains on the Security Council’s agenda with existing resolutions regarding the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. He condemned the ongoing human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir and noted that the struggle for self-determination continues, driven by the legacy of Burhan Wani.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Kashmiris in their quest for rights and expressed a desire for friendly relations with neighboring countries. However, he stressed that India must restore Article 370 and grant Kashmiris their rights to normalize relations.
Sharif warned of India’s attempts to alter the demographic composition of Kashmir through the settlement of non-local individuals and underscored that despite Indian oppression, the people of Kashmir continue to uphold the vision of Burhan Wani. He asserted that any aggressive actions from India would receive a robust and decisive response from Pakistan.