PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the UNGA was a masterful expression of Pakistan’s firm stance on some of the world’s most pressing conflicts. Delivered with a tone of urgency and moral conviction, his address touched on a variety of regional and global issues, including the continued conflicts in Palestine and Kashmir, the ongoing war in Ukraine, climate change, poverty and the mounting economic burdens exacerbated by climate crises. However, his most forceful remarks were reserved for the ongoing illegal occupations in Palestine and Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where the blood of innocent civilians is being shed daily under the weight of blatant human rights violations.
Pakistan has long adhered to a consistent foreign policy regarding these two issues, raising the plight of Palestinians and Kashmiris on every international platform. Yet, the significance of highlighting these issues at this year’s UNGA session cannot be overstated, as both Israel and India have only intensified their atrocities in the occupied territories. The PM’s strong denunciation of these human rights abuses came as a stark reminder to the international community that it cannot remain a passive observer. Notably, the Pakistani delegation, alongside representatives from other Muslim nations, staged a walkout when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech. This act was more than just a symbolic gesture; it was a demonstration of the growing anger and anguish felt across the Muslim world regarding Israeli actions in Palestine. The sight of empty Muslim seats as Netanyahu addressed the Assembly sent a powerful message that nations are no longer willing to silently witness the continuation of Israeli aggression. Shehbaz Sharif’s address also carried a strong warning for India, which, in recent months, has made provocations about crossing the Line of Control and occupying Azad Kashmir. “Pakistan will respond most decisively to any Indian aggression,” the Premier warned, emphasizing his government’s resolve to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. This firm stance against any potential Indian misadventure signals Pakistan’s readiness to protect its national interests while also advocating for peace in the region. The international community’s failure to rein in both Israel and India has been a persistent source of disappointment for nations like Pakistan. It is time for important capitals and the UN to take the requisite steps to bring an end to the atrocities being committed in Palestine and Kashmir. The right to self-determination for both the Palestinians and the Kashmiris is not just a political necessity but a moral imperative.
