NEW YORK — Pakistan’s civil and military leadership is pursuing collective efforts to strengthen the national economy and expand diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said Thursday during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Speaking to journalists alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Sharif expressed confidence that the country’s economy was on a positive trajectory, attributing progress to the unity of purpose among Pakistan’s leadership.
Diplomatic Push for Regional De-escalation
The prime minister said Pakistan is intensifying efforts to achieve peace in the region under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a framework he described as central to ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
Addressing the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea, Sharif noted that brotherly and friendly nations are working to reduce tensions in these critical maritime corridors.
Regarding his meeting with the President of Iran, Sharif confirmed he had taken the Iranian leader into confidence about Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. He said he conveyed during detailed discussions that establishing peace in the region is the need of the hour.
“Iran is our brotherly neighbouring country, and as before, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership will continue collective efforts for peace,” Sharif remarked.
According to the prime minister, the Iranian President appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and stated that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was fully acceptable to Iran, which expressed readiness to work further on the initiative.
Firm Stance Against Terrorism
Turning to security challenges, Sharif said terrorists operating from Afghanistan are perpetrating attacks inside Pakistan, killing innocent civilians along with military and police personnel.
“The incidents of terrorism are very condemnable, and Pakistan is befittingly responding to this terrorism,” he said. “We will not sit idle till the complete eradication of terrorism from the country.”
The prime minister’s remarks underscore Pakistan’s dual focus at the UNGA session: advancing economic diplomacy while maintaining a resolute posture against cross-border terrorism.
