ISLAMABAD, September 27, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pressed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday to intensify efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and ensure urgent humanitarian aid reaches the besieged enclave.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, at a time when Israel’s nearly two-year-long war on Gaza has left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead and drawn condemnation across the globe.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for an end to hostilities, calling for relief supplies to flow into the devastated territory and for opening “a political horizon that would place Palestine on an irreversible path toward statehood.”
Sharif and Guterres also exchanged views on a range of issues, including the Kashmir dispute, India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and concerns over externally sponsored militancy in Pakistan. Climate change was another key subject, with the Pakistani leader underscoring the urgent need for climate finance to help vulnerable nations cope with disasters.
“Despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse emissions, Pakistan continues to suffer disproportionately from climate shocks,” Sharif said, pointing to this year’s devastating monsoon floods that killed over 1,000 people, displaced millions, and destroyed vast stretches of farmland.
The Pakistani premier also used the opportunity to reiterate Islamabad’s long-standing position on Palestine, stressing that Pakistan does not recognize Israel and firmly supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Hours before his meeting with Guterres, Sharif delivered a blistering speech at the UNGA, accusing Israel of committing “genocidal onslaughts” against women and children in Gaza. He described the campaign as one of history’s darkest chapters, urging the international community to act decisively.
“For nearly 80 years, the Palestinians have endured brutal occupation,” Sharif told delegates. “Each passing day brings new brutality in the West Bank, while in Gaza, Israel’s assault has unleashed unspeakable terror. Palestine must no longer remain under Israeli shackles it must be liberated with full commitment and full force.”
For his part, Guterres praised Pakistan’s strong voice at the United Nations, particularly its principled stances at the Security Council, and acknowledged the country’s role in humanitarian relief operations. Both sides agreed on the importance of reinforcing multilateralism and strengthening the UN’s role in safeguarding global peace and development.
