- Premier Shehbaz credits President Trump for averting South Asia war, warns of fragile peace after May’s four-day escalation with India
- Praises Pakistan’s armed forces for repelling ‘unprovoked aggression,’ thanks President Trump, and nominates him for Nobel Peace Prize
- Expresses solidarity with Palestinians, calls Gaza a ‘darkest chapter of history,’ reiterates Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty
- Urges climate justice, rejects debt-driven solutions for vulnerable nations
ISLAMABAD/NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday used his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to call for “proactive rather than provocative leadership” in South Asia, warning that peace in the region remained fragile after May’s four-day military escalation between Pakistan and India.
Recounting the confrontation, which erupted after New Delhi accused Islamabad of involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, the premier said India’s “unprovoked aggression” through airstrikes on May 6–7 had targeted Pakistani cities and civilians, forcing Islamabad to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
“Repulsing the enemy’s attack under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu, our Falcons took flight and etched their answer across the skies, resulting in seven of the Indian jets being turned to scrap and dust. A decisive response to the aggressor that will echo through the annals… pic.twitter.com/xW6Wiq1kkD
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
He credited Pakistan’s armed forces and Air Force for repelling the assault with “stunning professionalism” and praised Field Marshal Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu for their leadership.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.#PMShehbazAtUNGA
(New York, 26 September 2025) pic.twitter.com/Gxml1EbRsW— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 26, 2025
Shehbaz Sharif told the world body that Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire from “a position of strength” and acknowledged the role of US President Donald Trump in mediating an end to hostilities.
“Though in a position of strength, Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire facilitated by President Donald Trump’s bold and visionary leadership. We expressed our deep appreciation to him and his team for their active role in bringing about the ceasefire. Therefore, in recognition of… pic.twitter.com/UQXrcAo5Cz
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
“President Trump’s timely and decisive efforts helped avert a full-scale war in South Asia,” he said, adding that Pakistan had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. The premier also thanked China, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, Azerbaijan, the UAE, and the UN secretary-general for standing by Pakistan during the crisis.
“India’s unilateral and illegal attempt to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance defies the provisions of the treaty itself, as well as the norms of international law. Pakistan has made it abundantly clear, and let there be no doubt once again in anybody’s mind, as I said last… pic.twitter.com/5gB9eC0d35
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
Expanding his message beyond South Asia, PM Shehbaz voiced strong solidarity with Palestinians, denouncing Israel’s “genocidal onslaught” in Gaza as one of the “darkest chapters of history.”
“The plight of the Palestinian people is one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies of our times. This prolonged injustice is a stain on the global conscience and our collective moral failure. For nearly 80 years, the Palestinians have courageously endured Israel’s brutal… pic.twitter.com/Gwr9fgs1Ws
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
Citing the case of Hind Rajab, a child victim, he declared: “The smallest coffins are the heaviest to carry … we cannot and must not fail the children of Gaza.”
“We have won the war, and now we seek to win peace in our part of the world. Pakistan stands ready for a composite, comprehensive, and result-oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues.”
~Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Addresses the 80th Session of the United… pic.twitter.com/Q71fM2FNzg
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a sovereign Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem as its capital, while appreciating Trump’s recent initiative to consult Muslim leaders on Gaza.
“In the West Bank, each passing day brings new brutality, with illegal settlers who terrorize and kill with impunity, and nobody can challenge or question them. And in Gaza, Israel’s genocidal onslaught has unleashed unspeakable terror upon women and children in a manner we have… pic.twitter.com/tcDbnK8uiP
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
On Kashmir, the premier reiterated Islamabad’s stance that India’s “tyranny” would one day “come to a grinding halt” and stressed the right of Kashmiris to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite. He also rejected India’s attempt to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, vowing to defend Pakistan’s rights over its waters.
“I wish to assure the Kashmiri people that I stand with them. The people of Pakistan stand with them. And one day soon, India’s tyranny in Kashmir will come to a grinding halt. Kashmir will gain its fundamental right to self-determination through an impartial plebiscite under the… pic.twitter.com/kX1X52O4KZ
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
Turning to global challenges, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the world today faces “intensifying conflicts, violations of international law, climate emergencies, terrorism, and disinformation.” He condemned terrorism “in all forms and manifestations,” recalled Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global war on terror, and urged the Afghan interim government to prevent its soil from being used against neighbors while ensuring women’s rights and inclusivity.
“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. For over two decades, Pakistan has been at the frontline of global counter-terrorism efforts, having sacrificed more than 90,000 lives and endured economic losses exceeding $150 billion. This stands as a testament… pic.twitter.com/oyIB9TTcOG
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
The prime minister also warned against the dangers of Islamophobia, citing “Hindutva-driven extremism in India,” and welcomed the UN’s decision to appoint a special envoy to combat anti-Muslim hatred.
“Today, we face externally sponsored terrorism, particularly from foreign-funded groups such as the TTP, Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan, the BLA, and its Majeed Brigade. Operating from Afghan soil, these groups have carried out some of the most heinous attacks inside… pic.twitter.com/W63ctxmnjs
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
On climate change, Shehbaz reminded the assembly that Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global emissions yet suffers catastrophic floods and destruction. He rejected piling debt as a solution, urging instead “fairness, justice, and equality” in climate finance.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 26, 2025
Concluding his address, he urged the UN to rise above symbolism and act with purpose. “Let this 80th anniversary not simply commemorate history,” he said. “Let us make history and chart a future for the next 80 years with these United Nations as an enduring hope for global good.”
