New York (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, touched on multiple regional and international issues including Palestine and Kashmir disputes, Ukraine war, climate change, rising poverty and debt burden particularly induced by climate change impacts.
PM Shehbaz warned the world community that the illegal occupation of Palestine and Kashmir was creating a “fresh hell” every day and stressed the efforts for dispute resolution besides addressing the global challenges of terrorism, climate change and Islamophobia.
In his opening remarks, PM Shehbaz said that it was an honour for him to address the United Nations General Assembly for the second time as the prime minister of the country that has always been the proactive member of the UN Assembly.
He said that the Father of our nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, declared in 1947 that, “we stand by the United Nations Charter, and, will gladly make, our full contribution, to peace and prosperity, of the world.” Pakistan has stood by this commitment unwaveringly.
“Illegal occupation creates a fresh hell, every day, in the killing fields of Palestine, and in occupied Jammu and Kashmir… Can we turn a blind eye to the mothers, cradling the lifeless bodies of their children? This is not just a conflict; this is systematic slaughter of innocent people; an assault on the very essence of human life and dignity. The blood of Gaza’s children stains the hands of not just the oppressors, but also of those who are complicit in prolonging this cruel conflict,” the premier asked.
He called upon the international community’s action to demand an immediate end to the bloodshed, as work for a durable peace through a viable, secure, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its eternal capital.
PM Shehbaz , while highlighting the sufferings of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, said that India had resiled from commitments to implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir which mandated a plebiscite to enable the Kashmiri people to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination.
“Since August 5, 2019, India has initiated unilateral illegal steps to impose what its leaders ominously call, a “Final Solution” for Jammu and Kashmir. Nine hundred thousand Indian troops terrorize the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with draconian measures, including prolonged curfews, extra-judicial killings and the abduction of thousands of young Kashmiris.”
PM Shehbaz highlighted the Indian nefarious designs of seizing Kashmiri lands and properties, and settling outsiders into occupied Jammu and Kashmir, to transform the Muslim-majority into a minority.
“This hackneyed tactic is employed by all occupying powers, but it has always failed. In Jammu and Kashmir too, it shall fail, InshaAllah,” he remarked.
Apprising the global leaders of India’s massive expansion of its military capabilities, PM Shehbaz said its war doctrines, envisaged a surprise attack and a “limited war under the nuclear overhang”. Thoughtlessly, India has spurned Pakistan’s proposals, for a mutual “Strategic Restraint Regime”. Its leadership has often threatened to cross the Line of Control and “take-over” Azad Kashmir,” he added.
“Let me state, in no uncertain terms that Pakistan will respond, most decisively, to any Indian aggression,” the premier said.
PM Shehbaz called for the reversal of the Indian unilateral and illegal measures of August 5, 2019 to enter into a dialogue for a peaceful resolution, of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
“As we leave this august hall, we must carry with us a message for our people that the weak are not voiceless, that the oppressed should not lose hope, that poverty is not pre-ordained, and that the Almighty’s promise of justice and equality in our only terrestrial home, must be respected,” he urged.
Referring to the recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon, PM Shehbaz said the failure to implement UN resolutions has emboldened Israel and it threatens to drag the entire Middle East, into a war, whose consequences could be grave and beyond imagination.
Deliberating upon the challenge posed by climate change, the prime minister recalled that the catastrophic floods devastated Pakistan two years ago, causing damage of thirty billion dollars.
The premier pointed out that Pakistan emits less than one percent of global carbon emissions, yet we have paid a heavy price for no fault of ours. He said we must uphold the axiom: The polluter pays!
PM Shehbaz said that said Pakistan looks forward to the fulfillment of commitments made by development partners to support the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals and climate goals including a new annual goal beyond one hundred billion dollars in climate finance.
Highlighting the challenge posed by debt to the developing countries, the prime minister emphasised that the international financial architecture, world trade, and technology regimes must be reformed and aligned to promote development and global equity.
Turning to the domestic economic situation, PM Shehbaz said that the government has taken difficult, but necessary decisions that have rescued the economy from collapse, restored macroeconomic stability, controlled fiscal deficits, and strengthened reserves. As a result, inflation has come down to a single digit, and the prospects, for economic growth, have revived.
The Prime Minister said the government has prioritized geo-economics and regional connectivity to secure win-win outcomes.
He said the second phase of the landmark, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been successfully launched and through the apex, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the government is mobilizing investments in resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, minerals, sustainable agriculture, and technology. He said this will herald a new era of development and modernisation.
Highlighting Pakistan's sacrifices in the war on terrorism, the Prime Minister said eighty thousand of our brave soldiers and civilians have been martyred, including innocent school going children and the economy suffered a loss of 150 billion dollars.
He said Pakistan unfortunately is again confronted by a new wave of externally financed and sponsored terrorism, especially by the TTP, The BLA, The Majeed Brigade, Fitna al-Khawarij and its associates.
PM Shehbaz expressed Pakistan's firm determination to eliminate this threat as well through a comprehensive national effort, "Azm-e-Istehkam".
“Pakistan will work collectively with the international community to combat all forms of terrorism and reform the global counter-terrorism architecture,” the premier said.
Expressing concerns over Islamophobic incidents, PM Shehbaz said it is most alarming manifestation is the Hindu supremacist agenda in India. It aggressively seeks the subjugation of 200 million Muslims and the obliteration of India's Islamic heritage.
“Pakistan and the OIC will work with the UN Secretary-General and his Special Envoy to implement a plan of action to combat this scourge,” he asserted.
Turning to Afghanistan, PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan seeks the earliest possible normalization of the situation in Afghanistan.
He urged the Afghan interim government to take effective action to neutralize all terrorist groups within Afghanistan especially those responsible for cross-border terrorism against neighbouring countries.
The premier called for an immediate end to the tragic conflict in Ukraine and its peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN Charter and international agreements.
“Pakistan stands by the UN Charter and will make its full contribution to peace and prosperity of the world,” PM Shehbaz vowed.