London: Addressing a press conference here, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted his recent participation at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he presented Pakistan’s positions on critical issues including Palestine and Kashmir. The Prime Minister detailed his engagements with world leaders and his forceful address at the UN, advocating for the rights of Palestinians and Kashmiris.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif conducted multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA with leaders such as the British Prime Minister, the Chief Executive of Bangladesh, the President of Turkiye, the Prime Minister of Iraq, and the Crown Prince of Kuwait, among others. During his UNGA speech, he called for Palestine to be granted full membership in the United Nations and strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza.

The Prime Minister also voiced concerns over human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the promised plebiscite.

On the economic front, Prime Minister Sharif conveyed positive developments, stating that Pakistan is moving towards stability and growth. He credited his administration for steering the country away from potential default and for securing a crucial Extended Fund Facility program with the International Monetary Fund, which recently approved a seven billion dollar package for Pakistan.

He acknowledged the support of countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and China in these achievements and praised the efforts of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other key figures in his economic team. He also noted the significant role played by the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, in the IMF negotiations.

Prime Minister Sharif reported a drop in inflation and a reduction in the policy rate by the State Bank of Pakistan, signaling an economic upturn. He urged the nation, especially the elite, to unite for further economic progress and called for a Charter of Economy to be signed by all political parties.

Additionally, the Prime Minister addressed the May 9 incidents, declaring them unpardonable and vowing that justice would be served to those responsible.