PM Shehbaz, UN Secretary-General discuss key regional, global issues

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Session in New York on September 26.

The meeting was described as "warm and cordial", with PM Shehbaz reiterating Pakistan's strong commitment to multilateralism, emphasising the central role of the United Nations (UN) in tackling the world’s most urgent challenges. The Prime Minister commended the Secretary-General for his outstanding leadership in advancing global peace and stability, and acknowledged the UN’s efforts to improve global governance by amplifying the voice of developing nations.

The UN Secretary-General expressed much appreciation for how the rescue and relief operations were carried out during the recent floods in Pakistan. PM Shehbaz laid great emphasis on the need for joint action concerning climate change. Such actions include providing additional climate finance to alleviate the impact of climate change for the most vulnerable nations, such as Pakistan.

Read: PM holds out olive branch to India

PM Shehbaz highlighted issues of vital national and regional significance to Pakistan, specifically the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), and externally sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. He called for a just and peaceful resolution of the IIOJK dispute in line with the Security Council’s resolutions. The Prime Minister praised the Secretary-General’s leadership and genuine efforts to de-escalate recent tensions between Pakistan and India.

Expressing deep concern over the critical situation in Gaza, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and end the war, provide humanitarian aid, and create a political pathway toward an irreversible resolution leading to Palestinian statehood.

PM Shehbaz echoed Pakistan's commitment to further its role as a member of the UN Security Council, and to continue being a voice for regional and international peace and security.

Read more: PM Shehbaz urges global action on climate finance at UNGA

The Secretary-General praised Pakistan’s influential voice and vital role at the UN, including its principled stances at the Security Council.

PM Shehbaz is currently in New York City to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The prime minister, in his 25-minute address at the UNGA, encompassed all national, regional, and international issues, including the recent Pakistan-India war, Kashmir, Palestine, terrorism, Afghanistan, ongoing floods in Pakistan and multilateralism.