PM Shehbaz Calls for Open Strategic Waterways at UN General Assembly

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb open. He described these channels as the "arteries of the global economy" at a time of increasing regional tension, stating that they "must remain open, connecting nations, not becoming choke points of confrontation."

PM Shehbaz highlighted the impact of recent hostilities, referencing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran following US and Israeli attacks, and disruptions to shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by the Houthis. He stressed that these waterways should "carry the promise of prosperity, not the perils of war."

The prime minister strongly condemned attacks by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia, particularly an attempted drone strike on Makkah, calling it a line that "must never be crossed." He reassured Pakistan's solidarity with Saudi Arabia and referenced the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan, clarifying that the alliance is for “defence, stability, and peace in the region, and nothing more.”

Turning to water issues, Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Indus Water Treaty, labelling water as the "lifeblood" of the region and warning India against any attempt to impede Pakistan’s share of river waters. He said any such move would be treated as an "act of war," and stated Pakistan's position that the treaty remained "valid, binding and fully operative."

On regional peace, the prime minister spoke about Pakistan's right to self-defence, referencing a military response in May last year led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He credited former US President Donald Trump for helping avert wider conflict after the incident, and reiterated the need for a just and fair resolution to the Kashmir dispute, promising continued diplomatic and political support to Kashmiris.

Shehbaz also addressed terrorism, highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices, with nearly 100,000 lives lost and over $150 billion in economic losses. He expressed concern over Afghan territory being used for attacks against Pakistan and called on Afghan authorities to prevent this. Global issues raised included Israel’s actions in Gaza and the rise of Islamophobia, as well as the disproportionate impact of climate change on Pakistan. He urged developed nations to meet their climate finance commitments.