Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, warned that the world was facing “unprecedented challenges,” ranging from wars and humanitarian crises to terrorism, disinformation, and climate change.

“Our world is more complex today than ever before. Conflicts are intensifying, international law is being brazenly violated, humanitarian crises are multiplying, terrorism remains a potent threat, disinformation and fake news undermine trust, and climate change threatens our very survival — more so for countries like Pakistan,” he said.

PM Sharif stressed that multilateralism was no longer a choice but a necessity, adding that Pakistan’s foreign policy rests on peace, mutual respect, and cooperation.

Strong stand on Gaza

The prime minister denounced what he termed Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza, declaring that every day brought a “new chapter of brutality.”

Recalling that he personally carried the coffin of a seven-year-old child, he said: “The smallest coffin is the heaviest.”

Pakistan, he emphasised, demands an immediate ceasefire, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital, and an end to occupation.

PM Sharif also thanked US President Donald Trump for convening a summit of Muslim leaders in New York earlier this week. “If there is a ceasefire in Gaza, credit will go to President Trump,” he remarked.

Message to India and regional security

The prime minister said Pakistan’s response to recent Indian aggression would “be remembered in history.”

He told the UN assembly that Pakistan had “already won the war” and now sought peace in the region.

He urged that Islamabad was ready for comprehensive and result-oriented talks with India on all outstanding issues.

PM Sharif accused India of politicising human tragedies and targeting innocent Pakistani civilians despite Pakistan’s outreach.

He reiterated that Pakistan had acted in self-defence under the UN Charter after, he said, India attacked civilian areas.

“We have already won the war and now we want peace in our region,” Sharif told delegates, adding that Pakistan remained open to negotiations to resolve outstanding disputes.

Warning on terrorism and global security

On global security, the prime minister cautioned that terrorism unchecked in one region would ultimately spill over elsewhere.

“If we don’t stop terrorists, they will be roaming the streets of New York,” he said, citing Pakistan’s ongoing fight against TTP, BLA, Majid Brigade, and other militant groups.

He reiterated Pakistan’s call for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Message on Afghanistan

Sharif said Pakistan had a direct stake in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

He urged Kabul to respect human and women’s rights and to ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against any country.

Climate change losses

The premier highlighted Pakistan’s extreme vulnerability to climate change.

Recalling the 2022 super floods that caused $34 billion in losses and claimed thousands of lives, he noted that over 1,000 people had already died in fresh floods this year.

“Pakistan contributes less than one percent to global emissions, yet we pay the highest price,” he said.

Debt justice for developing nations

Criticising what he described as unjust global debt practices, PM Sharif said developing nations like Pakistan are being forced to borrow heavily and pay interest while simultaneously rebuilding from disasters they did not cause. “This is neither fair nor just,” he declared. “How can you expect a developing country to pay debts while also rebuilding from climate catastrophes? Debt has destroyed our economy.”