ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has become the most-watched video among world leaders on the UN’s official YouTube channel, amassing more than 1.3 million views since its upload on September 26.
The Pakistani premier’s speech has outperformed that of several global figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose UNGA address on September 23 garnered around 458,000 views, and Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, whose speech has attracted over 277,000 views since being posted on September 27.
PM Shehbaz’s wide-ranging address struck a chord internationally for its strong and emotive focus on Gaza, Kashmir, climate change, and global economic justice. Framing his remarks within what he described as an “increasingly fractured and volatile world,” the prime minister underscored the urgency of collective global action to confront humanitarian crises and restore international law.
Sharif condemned Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, describing it as a “systematic slaughter of innocent civilians” and a “stain on the conscience of the world.” He urged the global community to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, while reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
Turning to South Asia, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position on the Kashmir dispute, calling for a “just and lasting solution” in line with UN Security Council resolutions. He accused India of taking illegal and unilateral actions in the region that, according to him, have further inflamed tensions and undermined peace efforts.
In addition, Sharif highlighted the existential threat of climate change, reminding the global community of Pakistan’s devastating floods and the need for climate justice through fair financing and sustainable development.
Analysts suggest the speech’s massive online traction reflects growing international interest in Pakistan’s diplomatic messaging, particularly on humanitarian and justice-oriented themes.
The strong global reception, observers note, signals that PM Shehbaz’s address resonated far beyond the UN floor making it not only a diplomatic statement but also a defining moment in Pakistan’s international outreach this year.
