New York: Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, has asserted that sustainable development is unachievable as long as tragedies like those occurring in Gaza continue, and are supported by the developed world. These remarks were made during his speech at the ‘Summit of the Future’ held in New York, amid the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Khawaja Asif’s comments came as he highlighted the impact of Israel’s assaults, which have claimed over 41,000 Palestinian lives. His speech formed part of the opening remarks at the summit, which is attended by various global leaders discussing future sustainable development agendas.

Khawaja Asif, who is accompanying Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasized the need for an empowered United Nations that can effectively address both longstanding and emerging global conflicts. He specifically mentioned the issues in Jammu and Kashmir and criticized the failures of the Security Council, suggesting that increasing the number of permanent members would only deepen the Council’s ineffectiveness. He stressed the importance of adhering to the UN Charter to secure a future of peace, prosperity, and development.

In his address, Asif also highlighted the need for reduced tensions among major powers and the importance of controlling the spread of nuclear and other weapons. Concurrently, outside the UN headquarters, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar echoed similar sentiments regarding global peace, focusing on the conflicts in Palestine and Kashmir. Tarar called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for Israel to be held accountable for alleged war crimes and genocide in Palestine.

These statements reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding position on these issues, with Prime Minister Shehbaz planning to prioritize Kashmir during his engagements at the UN this year.