NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the UN-led multilateral system.

During what officials described as a warm and cordial exchange, the Prime Minister appreciated the Secretary-General’s leadership in promoting international peace and stability and in giving a stronger voice to developing nations in global governance.

PM Shehbaz thanked Guterres for his support following the devastating floods in Pakistan and underlined the need for mobilising additional climate finance for climate-vulnerable countries. He stressed that Pakistan’s experience highlighted the urgency of collective international action to address the worsening impacts of climate change.

The Prime Minister also raised issues of national and regional importance, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), and externally sponsored terrorism inside Pakistan. He urged a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions and appreciated the Secretary-General’s efforts to ease recent tensions between Pakistan and India.

On the Middle East, PM Shehbaz voiced grave concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, reaffirming Pakistan’s call for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid, and a credible path to Palestinian statehood.

The Prime Minister assured that Pakistan, as a current member of the UN Security Council, will continue to play a constructive role in advancing regional and international peace.

The Secretary-General, in turn, lauded Pakistan’s principled positions and “strong voice” at the UNGA and agreed on the importance of strengthening the UN’s central role in promoting peace, development, and cooperation.