Pakistan urges world to ensure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
At the SCO-Plus summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Pakistan has urged the international community especially the UN Security Council to uphold its responsibility to ensure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Addressing the summit this afternoon, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in line with the spirit of this meeting, we must call for free flow of humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians in the entire Gaza strip.
The Prime Minister said this summit is being held amidst unprecedented sufferings of Palestinian people as a result of Israel’s ongoing brutal military campaign in Gaza that has led to martyrdom of over 37000 people including thousands of children.
He said the United Nations must ensure implementation of its resolution for the peaceful settlement of all longstanding disputes.
Mentioning Pakistan’s recent election as non-permanent member of UN Security Council for the term 2025-26, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and pursuing just and peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes.
He said Pakistan will continue to oppose resorting to unilateral and illegal use of threat or force and combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s strong legacy of contributions for maintenance of international peace and security is manifested in its strict adherence to the principles of the UN charter.
Referring to other crises across the world, he said incitement to hatred and discrimination based on race and religion particularly Islamophobia has assumed epidemic proportions.
Shehbaz Sharif said challenges like climate induced disasters and socio-eco aftershocks of COVID-19 call for unity of thought and action.
About climate change, the Prime Minister emphasized financial and technical assistance to climate vulnerable countries enabling them to tackle the threat.
He underlined the need for fundamental reforms of international financial architecture to make it more effective, inclusive and equitable.
He also called for implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.
On SCO, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to advance the SCO agenda in partnership with membership states to strengthen multilateral institutions and enhance global cooperation.
He said this is essential to realize the common objective of an equitable and peaceful world order while respecting the principles of self-determination, sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
