NEW YORK (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that any threat to the safety and sanctity of the “Haramain Sharifain is our red line” that must never be crossed.
Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Shehbaz strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the attempted drone attack targeting the holy city of Makkah al-Mukarramah.
He further highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, as a reflection of Pakistan’s commitment to peace.
“Our enduring commitment to peace is also reflected by the historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement among the brotherly countries, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan.”
He clarified that this alliance is not directed against any country but is a “collective commitment for defence, stability, and peace in the region, and nothing more.”
‘Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb must remain open’
Talking about the Middle East, the premier said that the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are “arteries of the global economy” and must remain open, connecting nations rather than becoming chokepoints of confrontation.
“These waters must carry the promise of prosperity, not the perils of war,” he said.
Highlighting the war crisis in the Middle East, PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan chose to act swiftly at this critical moment, successfully bringing Washington and Tehran under one roof in Islamabad
“From the Islamabad talks to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, many historic steps were taken to bring an end to this serious conflict.”
In this regard, he appreciated the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying that his “relentless efforts helped create space for diplomacy under exceptionally difficult and challenging circumstances.”
He also extended his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for his role in the process.
Recalling last year’s conflict with India, Sharif told the UNGA that a year ago, Pakistan faced external aggression from India under a false pretext and Pakistan exercised its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
“Our brave and valiant armed forces, under the courageous leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, responded with precision and professionalism,” he added.
Our forces silenced the enemy, repulsed its attack, and taught it a lesson “it shall never, ever forget.”
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