Islamabad/New York – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif used his address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to deliver one of Pakistan’s most forceful foreign policy speeches in recent years, touching on conflicts with India, the plight of Palestinians, climate change, and the threat of terrorism. His speech, broadcast live on major international outlets including BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, and PTV, was widely described as bold and unapologetic.

Warning on Conflict and Multilateralism

Opening his remarks, the prime minister highlighted the dangers of a fracturing world order.
“Our world is more complex today than ever before. Conflicts are intensifying. International law is being brazenly violated. Humanitarian crises are multiplying. Terrorism remains a potent threat. Disinformation and fake news undermine trust. Climate change threatens our very survival, especially for countries like Pakistan,” he said.

“Today, multilateralism is not an option; it is the need of the hour.”

Sharif anchored Pakistan’s foreign policy in the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah: “Pakistan’s foreign policy, guided by the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is based on peace, mutual respect, and cooperation. We believe in the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.”

Also See: PM Shehbaz in New York to Address UNGA on Kashmir, Palestine, Global Issues

India, Pahelgam Incident, and Ceasefire

Much of the speech was directed at India. The prime minister recalled this year’s hostilities, which erupted after the Pahelgam incident.
“Last year, from this very podium, I had warned that Pakistan would act decisively against any external aggression. Those words proved true when, in May this year, my country confronted unprovoked aggression from our eastern front. The enemy came shrouded in arrogance; we sent them back in humiliation, delivering a bloody nose.”

He accused India of politicising tragedy: “India sought to extract political gains from a human tragedy by rejecting my sincere offer of an independent international investigation into the Pahelgam incident. Instead, it attacked our cities and targeted innocent civilians.”

Sharif praised Pakistan’s military response under Field Marshal Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu: “Our falcons etched their answer across the skies, bringing down seven Indian jets. It was a decisive response that will echo through history.”

He added that despite being in “a position of strength,” Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire “facilitated by President Donald Trump’s bold and visionary leadership.” Sharif said Islamabad had even nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize “for a man who proved to be a man of peace.”

Also See: Alleged Leaked RAW Files Tie Pahalgam Attack to ‘False Flag’

Kashmir, Indus Waters, and Dialogue

Sharif pledged that Pakistan remained open to dialogue with India but warned against further unilateral moves. “South Asia requires proactive leadership, not provocative actions,” he said.

On water rights, he warned: “India’s unilateral attempt to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance defies both international law and the treaty itself. Let there be no doubt: Pakistan will ardently defend its right to these waters. Any violation represents an act of war.”

Turning to Kashmir, he promised: “Through this Assembly, I assure the Kashmiri people: Pakistan stands with you. One day soon, inshallah, India’s tyranny in Kashmir will end, and Kashmir will gain its right to self-determination through an impartial plebiscite under the UN.”

Also See: Experts at UN Warn of Grave Consequences as India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty

Palestine and Gaza

The prime minister’s sharpest remarks came on Palestine and Gaza. “The plight of Palestinians remains one of history’s most heart-wrenching tragedies. For nearly 80 years, they have endured Israel’s brutal occupation. In Gaza, Israel’s genocidal onslaught has unleashed unspeakable terror upon women and children.”

He invoked recent tragedies: “We all remember Hind Rajab, the little girl whose trembling voice cried for life during the Gaza atrocities. We failed her. The smallest coffins are the heaviest to carry. I too carried the coffin of a six-year-old Abbas, killed during India’s attacks. We cannot and must not fail the children of Gaza—or any child in the world. We must secure a ceasefire now.”

Pakistan, he said, “firmly supports the demand for a sovereign Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Sharif as its capital. We were among the first to recognize Palestine in 1988. Today, we welcome other nations who have followed, and urge more to do the same.”

Also See: UN Rights Probe Alleges Israel Is Committing Genocide in Gaza

Terrorism, Afghanistan, and Extremism

On counterterrorism, Sharif reminded the world of Pakistan’s sacrifices: “For two decades, we have been on the front lines, sacrificing over 90,000 lives and bearing economic losses of $150 billion. These sacrifices must be respected and appreciated, for had these terrorists not been confronted by us, they would be roaming the streets of New York, London, and beyond.”

He blamed groups like the TTP and BLA for operating from Afghan soil: “Today we face externally sponsored terrorism, particularly from groups like TTP, BLA and its Majid Brigade, operating from Afghan soil.”

The Afghan interim government, he said, “must ensure its soil is not used for terrorism.”

Sharif also warned against extremism in India: “India’s Hindutva-driven extremism threatens the entire world. We welcome the UN’s appointment of a special envoy to combat Islamophobia.”

Also See: Leaked Video Exposes Afghan Safe Havens for TTP Militants in Afghanistan

Climate Change and Economy

The prime minister pressed for climate justice: “Pakistan’s 2022 and 2025 floods caused destruction worth billions, though we contribute less than 1% to global emissions. It is unjust to tell us to borrow more loans while our people drown.”

He stressed that Pakistan must “stand on our own feet, work tirelessly, and make Pakistan great again.”

Domestically, he said, reforms were under way: “We have implemented structural reforms, modernized taxation, attracted investment, and embraced digitization, AI, and crypto. Our all-weather partnership with China, especially through CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative, remains vital.”

Closing Remarks

As Pakistan currently serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Sharif hailed its contributions: “The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2788 under our presidency reaffirms our collective commitment to multilateralism.”

He closed by urging global unity: “Let this 80th anniversary of the United Nations not just commemorate history, let us make history. Let us chart a future with these United Nations as enduring hope for global good. Let us truly strive to become better together.”