Harmain al-Sharifain is our Red Line, Pakistan Stands With Saudi Arabia: PM Shehbaz at UNGA

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said any threat to the safety and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain is a red line that must never be crossed, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia during his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The prime minister began his speech with the recitation of a verse from the Holy Quran and said it was an honour to address the General Assembly for the fourth time while representing Pakistan’s peace-loving people.

He congratulated UN General Assembly President-elect Khalil Rahman on his election and assured him of Pakistan’s cooperation. Referring to Surah Al-Anfal, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the pursuit of peace was among humanity’s greatest endeavours and stressed the importance of diplomacy.

Pakistan Brings US and Iran Together in Islamabad

Speaking about the conflict in the Gulf and wider Middle East, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the war had resulted in loss of life, economic damage and pressure on vital maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

He said Pakistan responded swiftly and brought the United States and Iran together in Islamabad. He also acknowledged the efforts of Field Marshal Asim Munir in creating space for diplomacy and thanked Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, China and other friendly countries for their peace efforts.

The prime minister said diplomacy must be given greater space amid the growing use of missiles, drones and other weapons.

He also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab must remain open, describing the waterways as vital arteries of the global economy that should connect nations rather than become points of confrontation.

Haramain Sharifain Is a Red Line

Prime Minister Shehbaz strongly condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and referred to an attempted drone attack near the holy city of Makkah.

He said any threat to the safety and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain was a red line that must never be crossed and reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Saudi people.

He also said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye was not directed against any country, describing it as a collective commitment to defence, stability and peace in the region.

PM Raises Kashmir Issue at UN

Addressing the Kashmir dispute, Prime Minister Shehbaz said a just and fair settlement of the issue was essential for lasting peace in South Asia.

He said the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir had been looking towards the United Nations for decades and called for the fulfilment of their right to self-determination under relevant UN resolutions.

The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan Warns Against Water Weaponisation

On the Indus Waters Treaty, Prime Minister Shehbaz said India’s unilateral decision to hold the treaty in abeyance had no legal basis.

He stressed that water must not be weaponised and warned that any attempt to stop, impede or divert Pakistan’s share of the waters would be treated as an act of war.

Strong Support for Palestine

Prime Minister Shehbaz also highlighted the situation in Palestine, saying generations of Palestinians had struggled for freedom and self-determination.

He expressed concern over the expansion of violence in the occupied West Bank and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

He also condemned the ongoing violence against Lebanon and Syria.

Pakistan Highlights Counterterrorism Sacrifices

Discussing terrorism, Prime Minister Shehbaz said terrorism had become a serious threat to international peace and security.

He said Pakistan had remained on the front line in the fight against terrorism and had sacrificed almost 100,000 lives while suffering economic losses exceeding $150 billion, according to figures cited by the prime minister.

He said the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and civilians had contributed to international security.

The prime minister further said that Fitna al-Khwarij/TTP and Fitna al-Hindustan/BLA were using Afghan territory against Pakistan. He called on the Afghan authorities to take immediate and verifiable measures to prevent their territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan. The statement reflects Pakistan’s position on the security situation and cross-border militancy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz’s address placed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, regional security concerns, Kashmir, Palestine, water security and counterterrorism at the centre of its presentation before the international community.