Pakistan brought US, Iran ‘under one roof’ through Islamabad talks, says PM Shehbaz at UNGA

Indian Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned during the United Nations General Assembly on Friday that any move by India to divert Pakistan's water resources would be considered an "act of war". He emphasized that water should not be weaponized and that rivers should nourish nations, not divide them. Sharif stressed that India must not make any mistake in this regard.

As he addressed the 81st session of the UNGA, Sharif began by highlighting the noble pursuit of peace and Pakistan's allegiance to the UN Charter since its founding. The premier touched upon the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Gulf region, and the Strait of Hormuz, which he said are vital to the global economy and must remain open.

Sharif praised the Islamabad Talks that brought together the United States and Iran, resulting in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. He also commended the efforts of Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in facilitating diplomatic progress. Sharif condemned the recent attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and expressed Pakistan's full support for the Kingdom.

He highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia as a testament to the country's commitment to regional peace. Sharif also discussed last year's conflict with India, which began with a terror attack in Pahalgam that India falsely blamed on Pakistan. He praised Pakistan's armed forces under Field Marshal Asim Munir's leadership for their precision and professionalism.

Sharif reminded the world of President Donald Trump's crucial role in securing a ceasefire between the two nations in May 2025, which potentially saved millions of lives. He stressed that South Asia should never again reach such a precarious situation and called for a fair resolution of the Kashmir issue, which has endured for eight decades.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for Kashmiris until they achieve their right to self-determination, calling Kashmir "Pakistan's jugular vein". Finally, Sharif pointed out that India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty had no legal basis, as rejected by UN experts and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, further validating Pakistan's position on the matter.