Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a powerful speech at the UN General Assembly, demanding global action on the issues of occupied Kashmir and Palestine. He warned India against aggression and called out Israel for its illegal occupation, creating a “fresh hell” daily. Shehbaz walked out in protest during Netanyahu’s speech, prompting other Muslim leaders to follow suit.
He touched on various global issues including the Ukraine war, climate change, poverty, and the burden of debt. Shehbaz emphasized the need for immediate action to end bloodshed and work towards peace in Palestine and Kashmir.
While avoiding domestic political issues, the PM condemned India for its actions in Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He expressed Pakistan’s desire for the normalisation of the situation in Afghanistan and called for the combatting of rising Islamophobia.
In conclusion, Shehbaz urged the international community to address climate change, tackle debt burdens, and uphold justice and equality for all nations. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling climate financing commitments and supporting the SDGs.
Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2024