PM Shehbaz Calls for Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab to Remain Open

PM Shehbaz Sharif called for the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab to remain open, terming the vital waterways "arteries of the global economy," while addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. He said Pakistan had played an important role in bringing the United States and Iran to the negotiating table as part of its mediation efforts to help end the conflict.

On the Middle East and Saudi Arabia

Shehbaz said the Gulf and wider Middle East had been caught in a dangerous war since February, causing loss of life, economic damage, and pressure on key maritime routes. He said Pakistan stood with its Saudi brothers and condemned attacks on the Kingdom, calling attacks on the Haramain Sharifain a "red line" and stating that water should not be used as a weapon.

On Palestine and Kashmir

The PM opposed Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and called for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. On Kashmir, he described it as Pakistan's "jugular vein," calling for the fulfilment of promises regarding Kashmiris' right to self-determination, and said the shared waters of the Indus River system were a foundation of stability in South Asia.

On Afghanistan

Shehbaz said Afghan territory continued to be used by the TTP, Fitna al-Khawarij, and BLA for attacks against Pakistan, calling on Afghan authorities to take verifiable and decisive action to prevent their soil from being used against Pakistan or any other country. He also stressed the need to protect the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, particularly women and girls.

Gratitude to Trump and Guterres

The PM acknowledged US President Donald Trump's intervention in averting a war between two nuclear powers, and praised UN Secretary-General António Guterres's leadership on poverty reduction. He paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his diplomatic and defence contributions, and congratulated UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman on his election.