- Focus on Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: The article emphasizes the grave situation in Gaza, calling for immediate action on a two-state solution to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
- Parallel to Jammu and Kashmir: The Prime Minister draws a parallel between Palestine’s plight and the long-standing struggle for self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing India’s actions in the region.
- Climate Change and Economic Crisis: The piece highlights Pakistan’s disproportionate impact from climate change and advocates for the “polluter pays” principle, while also addressing the debt crisis plaguing developing nations.
- Call for Global Financial Reform: The Prime Minister urges reform of international financial systems, calling them “morally bankrupt,” and pushes for equity in global trade and technology regimes.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan expressed profound sorrow and distress over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, lamenting the immense suffering of its people. He questioned the global conscience, asking how humanity can stand by as children lie dead beneath the rubble and mothers cradle the bodies of their lifeless children. His words underscored that this is not just a conflict but a “systematic slaughter of innocent people,” requiring more than mere condemnation.
Gaza: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif
The Prime Minister called for immediate action toward a two-state solution, anchored in pre-1967 borders, and full membership at the United Nations for Palestine. He warned that without such a solution, the ongoing conflict could spiral into a broader war across the Middle East, with catastrophic consequences beyond imagination.
India must revoke August 5, 2019 actions, says PM Shehbaz at UNGA
Drawing a parallel to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he likened the plight of Palestinians to the Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination, a century-old fight exacerbated since India’s controversial actions on August 5, 2019. The Prime Minister condemned India’s “unilateral illegal steps” in Kashmir and highlighted the severe measures imposed by Indian forces, including prolonged curfews, extrajudicial killings, and mass abductions of young Kashmiris. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to respond decisively to any Indian aggression, especially in light of India’s “massive expansion of military capabilities” aimed at Pakistan.
Gaza: PM speaks with Prominent pakistanis in USA
In addition to addressing geopolitical conflicts, the Prime Minister turned his attention to climate change, emphasizing the disproportionate burden Pakistan has faced despite contributing less than one percent of global carbon emissions. He highlighted the $30 billion in damages caused by catastrophic floods two years ago, and called for global accountability, declaring, “the polluter pays.”
He also pointed out the economic struggles of nearly 100 developing countries, trapped in a cycle of debt and liquidity crises, which he described as a “death trap.” He echoed the Secretary-General’s criticism of the international financial architecture as “morally bankrupt,” and called for urgent reforms in global trade and technology regimes to promote development and equity.
Unmasking the Crisis in Gaza: An Exclusive Interview with Sabri Saidam on Israel-Palestine Conflict
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister conveyed a message of hope and resilience for the oppressed and marginalized, asserting that the weak are not voiceless, poverty is not inevitable, and justice and equality are divine promises that must be upheld.
Earlier, at the United Nations Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violent acts of Hamas and Palestinian armed groups. However, since the escalation of Israeli bombardments starting on 7 October 2023, tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. Guterres stressed that violations by one side do not justify those by the other and called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the destruction could destabilize the region.
In a General Assembly address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, framing the conflict as a battle of “good against evil,” specifically blaming Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah for the violence. Netanyahu claimed Israel seeks peace and criticized leaders who condemned Israel’s actions during the Assembly session.
Unmasking the Crisis in Gaza: An Exclusive Interview with Sabri Saidam on Israel-Palestine Conflict
In other UN discussions, leaders from Asia and the Pacific voiced concerns about the looming climate catastrophe, urging global action. Prime Ministers from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and other nations highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on their countries, stressing the need for collective global responsibility.
Additionally, the Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) held its annual meeting, focusing on intercultural dialogue and promoting global harmony. The event featured international leaders who discussed efforts to prevent conflict and foster social cohesion.
Finally, the UN’s Treaty Event concluded with 32 actions taken to strengthen the multilateral treaty framework, including efforts related to marine biological diversity and addressing global environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss