NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Session in New York.

The Prime Minister expressed his support for the UN Secretary-General’s initiative to host the “Summit of the Future,” hoping its outcomes would assist developing nations in closing the financial gap needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate objectives.

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In a briefing about the situation in Jammu & Kashmir, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s deep concerns regarding India’s severe actions in the occupied territory, emphasizing the necessity of resolving the dispute to ensure enduring peace and stability in South Asia. He urged the Secretary-General to leverage his influence for the implementation of pertinent UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu & Kashmir and to uphold the self-determination rights of the Kashmiri people.

The Prime Minister condemned Israel’s violent campaign against Palestinians and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, urging the international community to hold Israel accountable. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the creation of a viable and independent State of Palestine.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of combating the rising tide of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims around the world. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to actively contributing to international peace and security as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-26 term.

Secretary-General Guterres expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for Pakistan’s proactive role at the United Nations and its contributions to international peace and security through its peacekeeping forces.