PM Shehbaz Highlights Civil-Military Cooperation for Economic Strengthening

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that both civil and military leadership in Pakistan are working collectively to strengthen the nation's economy and diplomatic relations. His remarks came during a media briefing with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, held on Thursday.

Shehbaz Sharif underscored ongoing mutual consultations aimed at reinforcing Pakistan’s economic foundations. He also mentioned that the leadership was making intensified efforts to realise peace in the region under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. "We will work together to promote peace in the region," he said.

He described the relationship between Pakistan and Lebanon as that of 'brotherly countries', expressing strong support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and independence. Shehbaz Sharif further stated that Islamabad would continue to condemn atrocities faced by Lebanon, highlighting that the killing of innocent people is unacceptable.

The Lebanese Prime Minister praised Pakistan’s initiatives to de-escalate regional tensions and seek diplomatic solutions, expressing hope that these efforts would succeed in reducing conflict and facilitating dialogue.

Shehbaz Sharif also spoke about regional security issues, mentioning efforts by friendly countries to lower tensions in the areas of Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea. Regarding his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif said he briefed him on Pakistan’s measures for regional peace and that Iran fully accepted the Islamabad MoU, committing to further cooperation.

Addressing questions on security concerns along the Afghan border, Sharif said terrorists crossing from Afghanistan have been conducting attacks in Pakistan, targeting civilians and security forces. He labelled these actions as highly condemnable, asserting that Pakistan was responding robustly and would continue its efforts until terrorism is completely eliminated.