NEW YORK — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the United Nations General Assembly that Pakistan is ready to pursue peace in South Asia after what he called a decisive victory over India during the four-day conflict in May.
“We have won the war, and now we seek to win peace in our part of the world. This is my most sincere and serious offer before this assembly of the world nations,” Sharif said, addressing the annual UNGA session in New York.
The prime minister recalled warning from the same podium last year that Pakistan would “act most decisively” against any external aggression. “Those words of mine proved true. I hoped they would not. But then, that is destiny,” he said.
Sharif accused India of launching “unprovoked aggression” against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir — an attack for which New Delhi blames Islamabad, a charge Pakistan denies. He said India spurned his offer of an independent international investigation and instead targeted Pakistani cities and civilians.
“When our territorial integrity and national security were violated, our response was in accordance with the right of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter,” the premier told delegates.
Sharif praised Pakistan’s armed forces, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, for mounting what he described as an operation of “stunning professionalism and bravery.” He said Pakistani fighter pilots shot down seven Indian jets, calling it “a decisive response … that will echo through the annals of history.”
“To the fair architect of this victory, to every officer and soldier, heirs of our martyrs — their names are forever engraved in glory. The mothers of our martyrs — their courage guides our path forward,” Sharif said, adding that Pakistanis “stood as one unbreakable wall — Bunyanum Marsoos.”
Although “in a position of strength,” the prime minister said Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire brokered by then-US President Donald Trump, whom he credited with helping avert a wider war. “Had he not intervened timely and decisively, the consequences of a full-fledged war would have been catastrophic,” Sharif said, adding that Pakistan had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize “for his love of peace.”
Sharif reiterated that Pakistan remains ready for a “composite, comprehensive and result-oriented” dialogue with India on all outstanding issues. He also warned that India’s “unilateral and illegal attempt” to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty violated international law. “Any violation of this IWT represents an act of war,” he said.
On Kashmir, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the territory’s right to self-determination under an impartial UN-supervised plebiscite. “Through this house, I wish to assure the Kashmiris that I stand with them … one day soon India’s tyranny in Kashmir will come to a grinding halt,” he declared.
