NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that the sanctity and security of Islam’s two holiest sites, Makkah and Madinah, are a red line for Pakistan and cannot be compromised.
Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Shehbaz Sharif condemned recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and expressed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Saudi people.
The prime minister said reported attempts to target Makkah with drones had caused deep concern and anger among Muslims worldwide. He stressed that the security of the Haramain Sharifain remained a fundamental concern for Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, saying the arrangement was intended to strengthen regional defence, stability and peace and was not directed against any country.
The prime minister called for the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb to remain open, describing both waterways as vital routes for international trade and the global economy.
On the Kashmir dispute, Shehbaz Sharif urged the United Nations to fulfil its commitments regarding the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. He also criticised India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the move as illegal.
He warned that any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s water would be considered by Islamabad an act of war.
Addressing the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, the prime minister said Palestinians had been seeking freedom for generations. He called for Palestinian children to have the same right to life and security as children elsewhere in the world.
Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the expansion of Israeli military operations into the West Bank and criticised the forced displacement of Palestinians. He further condemned Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Syria.
On terrorism, the prime minister said Pakistan had suffered around $150 billion in economic losses during its fight against terrorism, alongside major sacrifices by civilians and security forces.
He alleged that groups including Fitna al-Khawarij, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) were using Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan. He urged Afghan authorities to take immediate measures to prevent such activities.
The prime minister also raised concerns over growing Islamophobia, citing hate speech, attacks on mosques and incidents involving the desecration of the Quran. He criticised Hindutva ideology in India, saying it was contributing to religious hatred.
