PM Shehbaz returns after attending UN General Assembly session

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned to Pakistan after completing his visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he highlighted Pakistan’s position on peace, security, development and international cooperation.

The prime minister addressed the General Assembly and held meetings with world leaders and senior officials during his visit, while also engaging with international financial institutions and business figures over investment and economic cooperation with Pakistan.

He used his UNGA address to outline Pakistan’s stance on regional security and international conflicts, including the situation in the Middle East, the Occupied Kashmir dispute, Gaza and Afghanistan. He also highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes.

“War is a choice, and peace is also a choice. Pakistan has made its choice,” PM Shehbaz told the UN General Assembly, stressing Islamabad’s preference for dialogue over confrontation.

The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s position on the security of Islam’s holiest sites, following attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.

“The sanctity and security of the Holy Mosques is our red line. There will be no compromise,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had sought to contribute to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions, including efforts to bring the United States and Iran towards negotiations. He also urged the international community to ensure that major waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, remained open because of their importance to global trade and energy supplies.

On Kashmir, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s call for a settlement in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for the Kashmiri people. He also criticised India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and warned against any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s water.

The prime minister also raised Pakistan’s concerns over terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, saying Afghanistan must fulfil its international obligations and ensure that its territory is not used against Pakistan or any other country.

During his UNGA address, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had suffered substantial human and economic losses in its fight against terrorism, citing around 100,000 deaths and approximately $150 billion in economic damage.

Focus on investment and global markets

PM Shehbaz’s international engagements also included meetings focused on Pakistan’s economic interests and efforts to attract foreign investment.

At the London Stock Exchange’s market-opening ceremony during his visit, the prime minister urged international investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan and pointed to recent economic reforms and improved macroeconomic indicators.

“It is a very proud moment for all of us and an opportunity to rebuild Pakistan’s connection with the London Stock Exchange,” he said.

He highlighted Pakistan’s recent $3 billion Eurobond as evidence of renewed access to international capital markets and said the government wanted to move beyond sovereign borrowing towards attracting direct investment.

“Pakistan is a market where we can easily attract foreign investments,” PM Shehbaz said, describing investment as potentially profitable and mutually beneficial.

The prime minister also invited London Stock Exchange Group Chief Executive David Schwimmer to visit Pakistan, saying closer engagement could help strengthen the country’s links with international financial markets.

Diplomacy remains central

PM Shehbaz’s meetings and engagements during the UNGA visit centred on Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and strengthen international cooperation.

He also emphasised Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy, while reaffirming support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood and raising concerns over Islamophobia.