NEW YORK (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to claim Pakistan’s military success over India, highlight its sacrifices against terrorism and call for a new era of dialogue and peace in South Asia.
In a speech laced with both triumph and outreach, Sharif referenced Pakistan’s “decisive response” to Indian aggression, including the downing of seven Indian aircraft, and asserted that Pakistan now seeks to “win peace” after winning the war. He framed this as a signal that Islamabad is ready for “meaningful, comprehensive negotiations” with New Delhi on all outstanding disputes.
When India targeted our cities and civilians, our falcons rose into the skies and brought down seven Indian aircraft, delivering a decisive response to the enemy. This historic victory is the fruit of the courage and sacrifice of our brave soldiers and officers, heirs to our… pic.twitter.com/SyYjI5Jmcn
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) September 26, 2025
Sharif condemned India’s attempt to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international law and warning that Pakistan would defend its 240 million citizens’ rights to water. He described the treaty as “inseparable” from Pakistan’s security and said any breach would be treated as an act of war.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s unqualified support for a sovereign Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and called Israel’s actions in Gaza “unprecedented terror.” He also emphasised Pakistan’s frontline role in global counterterrorism, noting more than 90,000 Pakistani lives lost and an economic toll exceeding $150 billion.
Sharif cited externally sponsored terrorism from groups operating out of Afghanistan, including the TTP and other outfits, blaming them for attacks such as the Jafar Express incident earlier this year. He praised Pakistan’s security forces for recovering hostages and stabilising the situation.
Turning to diplomacy beyond the region, Sharif condemned Israel’s reported strike on Doha and reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar. He also expressed support for efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter.
Sharif lauded former US President Donald Trump’s role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, saying that Pakistan accepted the truce despite its military upper hand and subsequently nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for “saving the region from a devastating war.”
Pakistan has won the war against India and now seeks to secure peace across the region. I therefore extend a sincere and serious offer to India from this Assembly for meaningful, comprehensive dialogue on all outstanding issues. India’s unilateral attempt to suspend the Indus… pic.twitter.com/3HOpxujxEa
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) September 26, 2025
He closed with a pledge to turn Pakistan into a “strong and great nation” through hard work and unity, portraying the country as both a bulwark of global security and a potential bridge to regional peace.
