Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has demanded an immediate end to the ongoing Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip, terming it a“systematic slaughter“ and “bloodshed”.
The premier is addressing the plenary meeting for the UN General Debate as the second speaker at the 79th session of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
PM Shehbaz said it was a matter of “great honour” for him to address the UNGA for the second time as the prime minister of Pakistan.
“Today, we face the most daunting challenges to the world order: Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, a dangerous conflict in Ukraine, destructive conflicts across Africa and Asia, rising geopolitical tensions, resurging terrorism, galloping poverty, stifling debt and the mounting impact of climate change. We feel the chill of a new world order,” the prime minister said.
PM Shehbaz said he was expressing “the searing pain and anguish of Pakistanis at the plight of Gazans. Our heart bleeds as we witness the tragedy unfolding in the holy land. A tragedy that shakes the very consciousness of humanity and the foundation of this institution.”
The premier asked whether the world could afford to remain silent while “children lie buried under the rubble of their shattered homes and can we turn a blind eye to the mothers cradling the lifeless bodies of the children.
“This is not just a conflict, this is a systematic slaughter of innocent Palestinians. An assault on the very essence of human life and dignity, the blood of Gazan children stains not just the hands of the oppressors but also those complicit in prolonging this cruel conflict.”
He said humanity was diminished when the when the “endless suffering” of Palestinians was ignored.
“It is not enough to condemn … we must act now and demand an immediate end to this bloodshed. We must remember that the blood and sacrifice of innocent Palestinians will never go to waste. We must worry about their plight and difficulties and stand by them.”
According to an earlier statement by the Foreign Office, PM Shehbaz was expected to emphasise the importance of addressing long-standing issues that have been on the agenda of the UN Security Council, such as the Palestine and Kashmir issues.
Among other leaders whose addresses during the session are expected to be closely watched is Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as Tel Aviv’s bombardment of Gaza inches closer to a year and has expanded to Lebanon. Netanyahu is listed as the third speaker to address the UNGA after PM Shehbaz.
Also scheduled to speak is Bangladesh leader Muhammad Yunus, whose newly formed interim government has promised fresh elections after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last month.
PM meets with Iraq, Nepal counterparts
Meanwhile, ahead of the main event today, PM Shehbaz met with his Iraqi and Nepalese counterparts on the sidelines of the UNGA, APP reported.
In his meeting with Nepal’s PM K.P. Sharma Oli, the premier expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen multi-faceted bilateral cooperation in various areas.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to continue exploring avenues for enhancing bilateral and regional ties.
Congratulating Oli on assuming the office as the prime minister, PM Shehbaz conveyed warm sentiments for the people and the government of Nepal on behalf of the Pakistani nation.
Expressing satisfaction at the excellent bilateral ties between Pakistan and Nepal, the premier also extended an invitation to his Nepalese counterpart to visit Pakistan.
Separately, in their meeting, PM Shehbaz and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani agreed to improve existing bilateral ties and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.
The premier appreciated the Iraqi government’s arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims last month on the occasion of Chehlum. Hundreds of Pakistanis had been left stranded at the Baghdad airport due to flight issues and returned soon thanks to both sides facilitating their early return.
While discussing Israel’s offensive on Gaza, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to hold Israel accountable for the “genocide” there.
Both leaders agreed towards reinforcing international efforts at the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to Palestine.
Invites American banks for key economic investment
The prime minister also met and invited American banks to invest in key sectors of infrastructure, energy, technology and agriculture, while discussing the government’s commitment to maintain a stable macro-economic environment to facilitate foreign investors.
PM Shehbaz met with a delegation of prominent Pakistani American bankers, including representatives from JP Morgan, Natixis Corps and Investments, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, Goldman Sachs, Citizens Bank, Lazard and Audax Group.
He told the delegation about the government’s key initiatives to stabilise the economy and attract foreign investment such as broadening the tax base, enhancing the ease of doing business and ongoing reforms in the state-owned enterprises.
The premier emphasised the establishment of a Sustainable Finance Framework, which he said would allow the government to carry out a green sustainability bond issuance in international capital markets.
The delegation praised the government’s policies that helped achieve macroeconomic stability and expressed interest in cooperating with the government for the development of the manufacturing sector, especially small and medium-sized enterprises to help bolster exports.
High-level meetups
Since arriving in New York on Tuesday for a five-day visit, PM Shehbaz has attended several high-level meetings and met with leaders of various countries on the sidelines of the UNGA.
So far, various countries’ heads that he has met with include Bangladesh’s Yunus; Kuwait’s crown prince; presidents of Palestine, Iran, Turkiye, Maldives; and prime ministers of Britain, Iraq, and Nepal.
Other interactions include meetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where the premier discussed global and regional issues, as well as with Bill Gates, where he emphasised Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate polio.
In his meetings with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga, PM Shehbaz discussed financing for climate change.
