PM Shehbaz meets UN chief, calls for Gaza ceasefire

NEW YORK: Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ensure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

In the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif and Guterres discussed issues such as strengthening the multilateral system, climate finance for developing countries, India’s announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, the Kashmir dispute and foreign-sponsored terrorist acts in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister clarified that Pakistan supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with the wishes of the Palestinian people, with Jerusalem as its capital and its borders consistent with the pre-1967 borders.

He also appealed to the international community to take steps for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Shahbaz Sharif thanked the Secretary-General and stressed the need to provide additional financial resources to developing countries to address the impacts of climate change.

He said that despite being among the world’s lowest gas producers, Pakistan is the most affected by climate disasters.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s active role in the United Nations Security Council and its commitment to contribute to international peace and development.

The Secretary-General appreciated Pakistan’s strong voice and important role at the global level and stressed the need to further strengthen the role of the United Nations in global peace and development.