Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemning the bombing in Beirut, stated that Israel must be held accountable for its crimes and forced to halt the genocide in Gaza. He emphasised that the time has come to impose sanctions on Israel, including trade and arms embargoes.
Speaking during a high-level debate at the United Nations Security Council, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of implementing the UNSC resolutions on Kashmir. He said the unresolved issue of Jammu and Kashmir poses a serious threat to the peace and stability of the region.
Prime Minister Sharif stressed that the illegal use of force must not be tolerated under any circumstances. He urged the Council to demand an end to the severe violations of basic human rights in Kashmir.
Congratulating Slovenia on hosting the debate, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern about the growing conflicts in the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere. He warned that escalating tensions between global powers and increasing poverty are dangerous for the foundation of the world order. He referenced the “Future Pact” that was adopted last Sunday, calling for the need to honour commitments, warning that failing to do so would lead to a bleak future marked by wars.
He reiterated the need to stop Israel from committing genocide in Gaza and escalating conflicts in the Middle East. He called for sanctions on Israel, including trade and arms embargoes, and demanded accountability for Israeli leadership for crimes against the Palestinian people. The Prime Minister also condemned the bombings in Beirut in the strongest terms.
Additionally, he called on the UN Security Council to develop a neutral plan for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution in Ukraine, stressing that the escalation of conflict must be avoided at all costs.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasised the importance of making UN peacekeeping missions more effective and urged the UN to take confidence-building measures to prevent wars between major powers, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that competition between nations is healthy, but it must not lead to conflict.
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about the resurgence of terrorism from Afghanistan, particularly the threat posed by ISIS and extremist factions. He called on the Council to address this growing threat effectively.
He concluded by calling for the revival of global efforts to stop the nuclear and conventional arms race, and the need to establish controls over new technologies, including artificial intelligence and modern weaponry. He asserted that Pakistan, upon assuming a seat on the Security Council next year, will work to achieve these objectives.
