NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, where they discussed issues of mutual concern and global challenges.
During the cordial exchange, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, stressing the UN’s central role in addressing pressing international issues. He praised the Secretary-General’s leadership in advancing peace, stability, and global governance, particularly in amplifying the voice of developing nations.
Shehbaz expressed gratitude for the UN chief’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s flood relief efforts and called for urgent international action, including greater climate financing, to support climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan.
Highlighting matters of critical national and regional importance, the Prime Minister raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, and externally sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. He urged a just settlement of Kashmir in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
On the Middle East, Shehbaz shared deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reiterating Pakistan’s call for an immediate ceasefire, provision of aid, and a clear path toward Palestinian statehood.
The Prime Minister also commended Guterres’ efforts to de-escalate recent tensions between Pakistan and India, and reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to play a constructive role as a UN Security Council member for regional and global peace.
The Secretary-General, in turn, lauded Pakistan’s principled stance at the UN and its active role in peace and development initiatives. Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen the UN’s role in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development worldwide.
