NEW YORK – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed 81st session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday where he focused on regional conflicts especially US-Iran War, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, Kashmir, Palestine, Terrorism, climate change, economic reform and UN restructuring.
Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab must remain open
PM Shehbaz called Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab as vital arteries of the global economy, stressing that the strategic waterways must remain open for international trade and energy supplies.
مجھے پاکستان کے 24 کروڑ ثابت قدم اور امن پسند عوام کی جانب سے اس معزز ایوان سے چوتھی مرتبہ خطاب کرنے کا اعزاز حاصل ہو رہا ہے، میں جناب خلیل الرحمان کو جنرل اسمبلی کے 81 ویں اجلاس کا صدر منتخب ہونے پر دلی مبارکباد پیش کرتا ہوں اور انہیں یقین دلاتا ہوں کہ پاکستان کی جانب سے انہین… pic.twitter.com/das79sX4PL
— PMLN (@pmln_org) September 25, 2026
Strong condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
The prime minister condemned recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom, including over the security of the Haramain Sharifain.
Makkah Drone Attack echoes at UNGA as PM Shehbaz declares Haramain Red Line for Muslims
Take Credit for role between US-Iran
Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table in Islamabad, presenting the Islamabad talks and subsequent memorandum as an example of diplomacy during a period of escalating regional tensions.
Praise Field Marshal Asim Munir
The prime minister credited Field Marshal Asim Munir with helping create space for diplomacy and also acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s role in the diplomatic process.
Makkah defence agreement
Shehbaz described the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Türkiye Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a commitment to regional defence, stability and peace, while stressing that it was not directed against any country.
Pakistan-India War
Discussing last year’s confrontation with India, Shehbaz said Pakistan exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. He praised Pakistan’s armed forces and credited US President Donald Trump’s intervention with helping prevent further escalation.
Kashmir Issue
The prime minister called for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute, saying Kashmiris had waited decades for a UN-backed plebiscite. He pledged continued Pakistani diplomatic, political and moral support for their right to self-determination.
Indus waters
Shehbaz rejected India’s decision concerning the existing water treaty and maintained that it remained legally binding. He warned that attempts to stop, restrict or divert Pakistan’s share of the Indus waters would be treated as an act of war.
Palestine and Gaza
The prime minister highlighted the suffering of Palestinian civilians and called for an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Israeli actions in Lebanon and Syria
Shehbaz also condemned continued Israeli military action in Lebanon and Syria, calling for an end to the hostilities.
Pakistan’s sacrifices against terrorism
He said Pakistan had suffered nearly 100,000 deaths and more than $150 billion in economic losses during its fight against terrorism, while emphasising the sacrifices of Pakistani civilians and security personnel.
Afghanistan and militant sanctuaries
The prime minister accused the TTP, Fitna al-Khawar and BLA of operating from Afghan territory and called on Afghan authorities to take verifiable action to prevent their soil from being used against Pakistan.
Islamophobia condemned
Shehbaz warned about rising Islamophobia, citing hate speech, discrimination, attacks on mosques and desecration of the Holy Quran. He also criticised religious violence and restrictions on religious freedoms in India.
Pakistan’s economic revival
He highlighted structural reforms, fiscal discipline, agricultural and industrial modernisation, mineral development and the expansion of AI and IT skills as key elements of Pakistan’s economic strategy.
China, CPEC and global partnerships
The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s economic links with China through CPEC, as well as expanding engagement with the Gulf, Central Asia and other regions.
Climate justice
Shehbaz pointed out that Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global emissions while facing severe climate impacts. He called for developed countries to fulfil climate-finance commitments and accelerate funding for loss and damage.
Greater support for developing countries
He urged international financial institutions to provide developing nations with debt relief, affordable long-term financing and greater representation, arguing that development deserves the same urgency as security.
UN reforms
The prime minister backed reforms aimed at making the United Nations and Security Council more representative, democratic and accountable, arguing that reform should reflect the interests of the wider UN membership.
Pakistan’s message for dialogue over War
Concluding his speech, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had chosen dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over coercion and peace over war, calling on the international community to make peace and trust a collective choice.
