Sustainable development impossible amidst tragedies like Gaza: Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister tells the UN that development is hindered by crises like Gaza, calling for fairer economic systems.

Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that sustainable development will remain out of reach as long as tragedies like Gaza continue, blaming developed nations for perpetuating such crises.

Speaking at the UN's Summit of the Future in New York, Khawaja urged the international community to address global economic disparities and ensure equitable growth for developing countries.

In his address, Khawaja called for improved representation of developing nations in international financial institutions and advocated for a review of the sovereign debt framework to ensure fairness.

He also pressed for the creation of an equitable international tax system.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Express Tribune (@etribune)

Highlighting the need for reforms in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Khawaja argued that such changes would help developing countries expand exports and promote development.

He warned against introducing new forms of environmental protectionism that could hinder progress.

The Defence Minister also expressed support for adopting the UN's Pact for the Future, describing it as a vital document reflecting the global community's determination to tackle pressing challenges.

He emphasised the importance of upholding the commitments made in the pact.

PM Shehbaz Sharif arrives in New York to attend 79th UN General Assembly session

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He is scheduled to address the Assembly on Friday, where he will present Pakistan’s position on various international and regional concerns, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the situation in Palestine.

In his speech, the prime minister will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and its support for the United Nations' efforts in promoting global peace, security, and development.

Massive security measures are in place in and around the UN complex for the Assembly’s high-level debate from Sept 24 to 28.

The prime minister is also set to address several summit meetings, including the ‘high-level meeting on existential threat posed by sea-level rise’, ‘SDG Moment 2024’, and the UN Security Council’s open debate on ‘Leadership for Peace’.

In addition to his address, PM Shehbaz will participate in several high-level meetings on the sidelines of the Assembly, including discussions on the threats posed by rising sea levels and the UN Security Council’s open debate on leadership for peace.

The prime minister will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and meet with members of the US-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistani bankers to promote Pakistan’s pro-business and investment policies.

During his visit, PM Shehbaz will highlight the impacts of climate change on countries; Pakistan’s sacrifices in its fight against terrorism; challenges faced by the debt-burdened countries; India’s occupation of Kashmir; and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by Israeli occupation forces.

The prime minister will interact with members of the US-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistani bankers to apprise them of his government’s pro-business and investment policies.

Additionally, he is set to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; presidents of the UN General Assembly, European Commission, and the World Bank; Bill Gates; and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

In a scheduled meeting with Palestinian President Mehmood Abbas, PM Shehbaz will consult on ways to persuade the international community to accelerate its efforts to end Israel’s oppression of Palestine.

The prime minister will also attend a luncheon reception by Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah on the completion of 40 years of his country’s UN membership, as well as a dinner reception by Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus to mark 50 years of his country’s UN membership.

He will also have a one-on-one meeting with Dr Yunus as the relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have dramatically improved following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister.