Pakistan Prime Minister Sharif: Makkah Joint Defense Agreement is a collective commitment to regional peace

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, USA. Sharif touched upon the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, where international maritime transport has been negatively affected due to conflicts between Washington and Tehran. Sharif stated, "The Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb are the lifelines of the global economy and must remain open. They should connect countries, not become flashpoints for conflict."

Condemnation of Houthi attempt to attack Makkah al-Mukarramah

Sharif also condemned the attempts by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen to carry out drone (UAV) attacks on the Saudi Arabian city of Makkah al-Mukarramah, emphasizing that this situation is a "red line." Noting that Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia, Sharif said, "No Muslim could ever contemplate committing such a heinous crime. Pakistan, as it has always been throughout history, stands in full solidarity with the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia."

Sharif further emphasized that Pakistan has brought the US and Iran together under one roof in line with negotiations aimed at ending conflicts that have engulfed wider regions. Touching upon Pakistan's efforts to end the conflicts between the parties, Sharif said, "Unfortunately, the conflict has engulfed the Gulf and the wider Middle East geography. Precious lives have been lost, economies have been damaged, and critical maritime routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, have come under severe pressure."

"The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement is a collective commitment to regional peace"

The Pakistani Prime Minister also highlighted Pakistan's commitment to peace and referred to the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement signed with Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Sharif stated, "This alliance is not against any country; it is a collective commitment to defense, stability, and regional peace, nothing more."

Sharif also criticized Israel for continuing its attacks in the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire reached in the region. Condemning Israel's attacks in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Sharif stated that the Palestinian people, especially women, children, and the elderly, have been facing occupation, forced displacement, and death for generations.

"Do children born in Gaza not have the right to live the same life as other children?"

Sharif recalled the death of 5-year-old Palestinian Hind Rajab, who left her home in 2024 with her uncle, aunt, and 5 cousins to escape Israeli bombardment, and whose lifeless body was found days later along with the 2 ambulance workers who went to rescue her. Sharif also mentioned the death of 8-year-old Wafaa Akeela, who lost her life due to Israeli attacks on her first day of school this month.

Sharif asked whether children born in Gaza have the same right to live the same life, have the same future, and dream the same dreams as children in other parts of the world. The Pakistani Prime Minister said that the deaths of Hind Rajab, Wafaa Akeela, and countless others would remain in memory as a testament to the silence and inaction of the international community.

Sharif stated that Pakistan supports the establishment of an independent, sovereign, sustainable, and territorially integral Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital. The Prime Minister also condemned Israel's attacks on Lebanon and Syria and called for an immediate end to the violence.

Thanks to Trump for the ceasefire reached with India

Sharif also touched upon the conflicts that occurred following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year, for which the New Delhi administration held Pakistan responsible, while Islamabad denied the accusations. Sharif said, "Our heroic armed forces, under the leadership of the brave Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, responded with precision and professionalism."

Sharif thanked US President Donald Trump for mediating the ceasefire reached between the two countries in May 2025. Praising Trump's "decisive and visionary leadership," Sharif emphasized that this initiative "saved hundreds of millions of lives."

"Water should never be used as a weapon"

Sharif also addressed the crisis regarding river and water resources between India and Pakistan, reiterating that any attempt by India to block Pakistan's access to water resources would be considered an "act of war." Sharif said, "Water should never be used as a weapon. Rivers should nourish nations, not divide them. Therefore, any attempt to restrict, block, or divert Pakistan's water will be considered an act of war. India should be under no illusion about this."