PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2026 in New York. The session was held under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” Before his formal address, Prime Minister Shehbaz held meetings with several world leaders and heads of international institutions. His address covered six key issues of regional and global significance: Palestine, the security of Saudi Arabia, Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, terrorism from Afghanistan and the Iran-United States conflict.
On Palestine, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire. He demanded the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian State based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. The Prime Minister made clear that Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause is principled, consistent and non-negotiable. The UN and the international community must move beyond symbolic statements and take concrete steps to end the Israeli occupation and restore the rights of the Palestinian people.
On the security situation in the Gulf region, Prime Minister Shehbaz strongly condemned the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed that the security of Haramain Sharifain is a red line for Pakistan. He also highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, stating that this trilateral alliance is a collective commitment to regional defence, stability and peace and is not directed against any country. Pakistan has always stood by Saudi Arabia. This position has not changed and will not change.
On the Kashmir dispute, the Prime Minister reiterated that Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein. He called for a just and fair resolution of the dispute in accordance with UN resolutions and Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He noted that India has been making demographic changes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, which is a violation of the UN Charter, UN resolutions on Kashmir and the Fourth Geneva Convention. Despite passage of 79 years, the UN has not been able to implement its own resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. The right of self-determination is enshrined in Article 1 of the UN Charter. The people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be kept deprived of this inalienable right forever. The UN and major powers must play their role for the resolution of this long-standing dispute.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, the Prime Minister warned India in clear terms that any attempt to stop, impede or divert Pakistan’s share of river waters would be treated as an act of war. He stated that India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after the Pahalgam incident of April 2025 has no legal basis whatsoever. The treaty remains valid, binding and fully operative. Water must never be weaponized. India is using water as a tool of coercion against Pakistan, which is a violation of international law and an act of hostility against a lower riparian state. The international community must hold India accountable for this dangerous precedent.
On terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, the Prime Minister was direct. Afghan territory continues to be used by the outlawed TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army to launch attacks against Pakistani citizens and security forces. Pakistan has sacrificed over 80,000 lives and suffered losses exceeding 150 billion dollars in its fight against terrorism. Despite these enormous sacrifices, attacks from Afghan soil continue to increase instability within Pakistan. The Afghan authorities must fulfill their international obligations and ensure that Afghan soil is never again used against Pakistan or any other country.
On the Iran-United States conflict, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table. He called for the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb to remain open as arteries of the global economy. Pakistan’s mediation produced the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran. Despite its challenges, Pakistan has not abandoned the peace process and continues to encourage all sides to resume dialogue.
Pakistan is a peaceful country. This is not a claim it is a demonstrated reality. Pakistan chose dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over coercion and peace over war during the most dangerous moments of the past two years. The role of Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in personally engaging Iranian leadership and facilitating the historic Islamabad Talks of April 2026 the first direct engagement between Washington and Tehran in 47 years has been acknowledged by both sides. Pakistan has consistently chosen dialogue over confrontation and peace over war. The UN and the international community must recognize Pakistan’s contributions and play their own role in resolving the disputes and conflicts that continue to threaten regional and global peace.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
