At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a speech addressing regional peace, counter-terrorism efforts, climate challenges, and the pursuit of global justice. A significant portion of his address focused on relations with India, the May 2025 conflict between the two nations, and the role of former US President Donald Trump in mediating a ceasefire.
Sharif stated Pakistan's desire for peace in the region, offering to begin "a composite, comprehensive, and result-oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues". This echoes a decades-old framework that was initiated in 2003 but suspended following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Despite this call for dialogue, Sharif also criticized India's policies in Kashmir, reiterating Pakistan's support for what he termed the Kashmiri people's "fundamental right to self-determination" and demanding an impartial plebiscite under UN auspices.
Sharif defended Pakistan's response as accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. He then made the claim that during "Operation Sindoor" in May 2025, Pakistani fighter jets "turned 7 Indian jets into scrap". He praised the Pakistan Air Force and its leadership, referring to the pilots as "falcons". These claims have been refuted by India, with sources stating that India inflicted massive damage, destroying radars and airfields, and downing a Pakistani F-16. India has also described previous similar assertions as baseless.
A notable aspect of Sharif's speech was his praise for former US President Donald Trump, whom he lauded as a "man of peace". Sharif credited Trump's "timely and decisive" intervention for averting a full-scale war between Pakistan and India following "Operation Sindoor". He reinforced Pakistan's nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, stating that it was the least Pakistan could do to recognize his contribution to promoting peace. He said that had Trump not intervened, the consequences would have been catastrophic.
However, India has rejected claims of Trump's mediation, asserting that the ceasefire was reached through direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of the Indian and Pakistani armed forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly told Trump directly in June that no American mediation occurred. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering peace between the two countries.
Sharif's remarks at the UNGA come amidst efforts by Pakistan to improve its relationship with the United States. Sharif and Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, met with Trump in Washington prior to the UNGA speech.
In addition to India and regional security, Sharif's UNGA address covered a range of other important issues. He affirmed Pakistan's support for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. He also spoke about Pakistan's sacrifices and efforts in combating terrorism, while also claiming that Pakistan is a victim of "externally-sponsored terrorism,". Sharif further emphasized the importance of taking urgent action on climate change.
