Shehbaz demands arms, trade embargo on Israel for genocidal acts against Palestinians, Lebanon

PM wants UNSC to address Kashmir’s dispute, halt rights violations, and counter terrorism from Afghanistan

NEW YORK:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called on the United Nations Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel, including an arms and trade embargo, due to its genocidal actions against Palestinians.

During his address at the High-Level Open Debate of the Security Council on “Leadership for Peace,” held alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly Session, he emphasised the need to compel Israel to cease its genocidal war in Gaza and prevent any escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and highlighted the necessity of holding its leadership accountable for crimes against Palestinians and Lebanese people. Furthermore, he urged the Security Council to create an impartial plan for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Sharif warned that escalating conflicts in the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere, alongside increasing tensions between global powers and rising poverty, were undermining the foundations of the international order. He pointed out that the recent approval of the “pact for the future” must be followed through with action, or the future would be bleak and dangerous.

Addressing the Kashmir issue, Sharif stressed that the Security Council could no longer overlook the ongoing dispute in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmi, which he said posed a significant threat to global peace and security. He called on the Council to put an end to the extensive violations of Kashmiris' fundamental rights and to enforce its resolutions demanding a plebiscite for self-determination in the region.

He also urged the Council to tackle the growing threat of terrorism from Afghanistan, particularly from Daesh and Fitna Al-Khawarij. Additionally, he called for more support for African nations and the African Union in their fight against terrorism and foreign interventions, stating that UN peacekeeping efforts must become stronger and more effective.

Sharif advocated for measures to prevent war between major powers and reduce rising tensions, particularly in Asia. He further urged the Council to adopt a policy of zero tolerance for the illegal use of force and to reinvigorate global efforts to stop and reverse the growing arms race, both in nuclear and conventional weapons. He also called for greater control over emerging weapons and technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, which he said was increasing the likelihood and lethality of conflicts.

The prime minister concluded by stating that Pakistan, in cooperation with other member states, would pursue these objectives when it assumes its seat in the Security Council next year.