Islamabad (Staff Reporter) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that his recent visit to the United Nations provided a historic opportunity to represent the sentiments of Pakistan’s 240 million people and to raise a strong voice for the oppressed people of Gaza and Kashmir. He expressed hope that the UN session on Gaza, chaired by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will yield positive outcomes soon.
Speaking to Pakistani journalists in the UK, the Prime Minister described his visits to New York and Washington as “highly successful and productive.” He stated that Pakistan was specially invited to the UN session on Gaza, which was also attended by leaders from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Jordan, and Egypt.
“We want an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” said the Prime Minister. “Since 2023, innocent Muslims—including women and children—have been martyred. The brutality being inflicted on the people of Gaza is unprecedented.”
Strong Stand on Kashmir, Gaza, and India’s Aggression
PM Shehbaz said he vigorously raised the issue of Kashmir at the UN General Assembly and expressed full solidarity with the Palestinian people. He reiterated that Pakistan dealt a severe blow to India in the recent military confrontation, calling it a “historic victory” led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
He praised the bravery and professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and said that the world now understands Pakistan’s nuclear capability is purely for defensive purposes.
Trump-Pakistan Relations and Economic Cooperation
Regarding his meeting with Donald Trump in Washington, PM Shehbaz revealed that the atmosphere was “cordial, constructive, and extremely fruitful.” Discussions covered trade, energy, IT, agriculture, and investment opportunities. Trump assured him that economic cooperation with Pakistan would be expanded.
The Prime Minister thanked Trump for playing a critical role in the recent de-escalation between Pakistan and India. “If this war had continued, the consequences would have been devastating not just for the region but for the world,” he said. He also mentioned that Pakistan proposed Trump’s name for the Nobel Peace Prize due to his peace efforts.
Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Pact
Shehbaz Sharif confirmed a new defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, calling it a reflection of mutual trust between the two brotherly nations. He clarified that the pact is not aimed against any country but is a commitment to defend each other in case of external aggression.
“Every Muslim is ready to sacrifice for the protection of the Holy Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque,” he said, adding that the agreement fulfilled a long-standing desire of the people of both nations.
Economic Stability and Climate Challenges
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s economy has achieved basic stability and that efforts are now focused on long-term growth and sustainability. He acknowledged the devastating impact of recent floods, particularly in Punjab, where over a thousand lives were lost and thousands of villages submerged.
“Our resolve remains strong,” he said. “We will overcome this challenge and move forward.”
Terrorism and National Security
PM Shehbaz lashed out at the previous government for releasing and resettling terrorists, blaming that policy for the resurgence of terrorism. He said Pakistan’s security forces are actively engaged in anti-terror operations and will completely eliminate terrorism from the country.
“Our armed forces, police, and law enforcement agencies are making daily sacrifices. We will root out all foreign-funded terrorist networks, including TTP, BLA, and others,” he vowed.
Vision for the Future: Youth, Innovation, and Growth
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of empowering Pakistan’s youth through education, technology, and training in modern sectors like IT and AI. He revealed that 1,000 Pakistani students are currently receiving agricultural training in China and are expected to revolutionize the sector upon return.
“Our aim is for Pakistan to become economically self-sufficient, debt-free, and prosperous,” he said. “The nation has the talent and resources—it’s time we fully utilize them.”
Closing Remarks
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope for early progress on Gaza peace efforts and reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace, progress, and defending the rights of oppressed people around the world.
