Pakistan’s premier discusses Gaza, Islamophobia with UN chief

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 79th session of UN General Assembly in New York to discuss a variety of issues, including Israel’s ongoing onslaught on Gaza, and a rising tide of Islamophobia, an official statement said on Wednesday.

Condemning Israel’s genocidal campaign against the Palestinians, Sharif called for an “immediate and unconditional” cease-fire, the statement from his office added.

He also urged the international community to hold Israel accountable, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the establishment of a “viable and sovereign State of Palestine.”

Sharif conveyed Pakistan’s “serious” concerns over India’s “egregious” actions in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need to resolve the dispute to ensure lasting peace and stability in South Asia.

He called on Guterres to use his “good offices” for the implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir, and ensuring the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

Underscoring the need for stemming the rising tide of Islamophobia, and discrimination against Muslims worldwide, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to actively contributing towards international peace and security as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the year 2025-26.

Guterres thanked the prime minister for Pakistan’s active engagement at the UN as well as for its role towards international peace and security in the form of its UN’s peacekeeping force, the statement concluded.