Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing violence in Gaza and urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to impose sanctions, including an arms and trade embargo, in response to what he termed genocidal actions against the Palestinian people.
Speaking at a high-level open debate on “Leadership for Peace” during the 79th UN General Assembly, PM Shehbaz asserted, “We must compel Israel to stop its genocidal war in Gaza and prevent any efforts to escalate the conflict further in the Middle East.”
He also criticized Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, emphasizing the need to hold its leadership accountable for their actions against both Palestinians and Lebanese citizens.
In addition, the prime minister called for the UNSC to devise a fair plan for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, highlighting how ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, coupled with rising poverty, are undermining global stability.
“We recently approved the pact for the future. It is imperative that we honor our commitments; otherwise, we risk a bleak and dangerous future,” he stated.
On the issue of Kashmir, PM Shehbaz urged the Council to no longer overlook the persistent dispute in Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as a significant threat to international peace. He called for an end to the widespread violations of the rights of the Kashmiri people and for the implementation of UNSC resolutions that demand a plebiscite for self-determination in the region.
The prime minister also highlighted the need for the UNSC to address the resurgence of terrorism from Afghanistan, particularly the threats posed by Daesh and other extremist groups.
He advocated for greater support to African nations and the African Union in their battles against terrorism and foreign interference, emphasizing the need for a more robust and effective UN peacekeeping force.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz called for measures to forestall clashes between significant powers and to lighten rising strains, particularly in Asia. He stressed the importance of a zero-tolerance policy against the illegal use of force and urged a renewed global effort to halt the arms race, particularly in nuclear and conventional weaponry.
He also highlighted the need for controls over emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, which he warned could increase the likelihood and lethality of warfare.
Looking ahead, PM Shehbaz affirmed that Pakistan would work towards these objectives in the UNSC upon assuming its seat next year.
