Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community on Friday to ensure that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab remain open, describing them as vital routes for the global economy.
Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Sharif said that diplomacy must become stronger amid continuing conflict involving missiles, drones and military operations. He emphasized that the two waterways should connect countries rather than become locations of confrontation.
Pakistan has played a mediating role between the United States and Iran. Following the US and Israeli war against Iran that began on Feb. 28, Pakistan helped facilitate a ceasefire on April 8 and later hosted more than 20 hours of discussions between American and Iranian officials in Islamabad.
A Pakistan-brokered agreement in June established a framework and a 60-day period for negotiations aimed at reaching a longer-term settlement. However, the two sides later resumed retaliatory attacks, keeping tensions elevated.
Mecca Defense Agreement
Sharif also addressed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan last month.
He stressed that the agreement was not aimed at any particular country, describing it instead as a collective commitment focused on regional defense, stability and peace.
Indus Waters And Kashmir
Speaking about the Indus Waters Treaty, Sharif said water resources should never be used as a political or military tool. He warned that any attempt to block, restrict or divert Pakistan’s share of the treaty’s waters would be regarded by Islamabad as an act of war.
Sharif also thanked US President Donald Trump for his role in the ceasefire between India and Pakistan last year, saying the intervention had helped prevent further loss of life in South Asia.
On Kashmir, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s stated diplomatic, political and moral support for the Kashmiri people and their demand for self-determination.
He also expressed concern over what he described as a rise in Islamophobia and argued that religious hatred should have no place in the international community.
Sharif concluded by emphasizing Pakistan’s preference for dialogue, cooperation and peace, calling on countries to rebuild trust, protect stability and strengthen unity.
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