Pakistan’s Leadership joins hands to strengthen economy, PM Shehbaz

New York: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan’s civil and military leadership is working collectively to strengthen the country’s economy, improve diplomatic relations and support efforts for peace in the region.

Speaking to the media alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Shehbaz said consultations among Pakistan’s leadership were focused on strengthening the economy and advancing the country’s diplomatic interests.

The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), saying Islamabad remained committed to promoting peace and reducing tensions in the region.

“We will work together to promote peace in the region,” he said.

Pakistan backs Lebanon

During his remarks, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. He said Pakistan continued to condemn atrocities against Lebanon and stressed that the killing of innocent people was unacceptable.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to calm regional tensions and seek a political solution to ongoing conflicts. He said Lebanon was unable to remain isolated from the wider regional crisis and expressed hope that Pakistan’s efforts would help reduce tensions and create space for diplomacy.

The two leaders’ discussions came as Pakistan has increased diplomatic engagement over conflicts and security concerns across the Middle East.

Focus on Iran and regional tensions

Shehbaz also spoke about his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying he had taken the Iranian leader into confidence about Pakistan’s efforts to reduce regional tensions.

The two leaders met in New York on Thursday and discussed Pakistan-Iran relations and the wider regional situation. They agreed on the importance of continued consultations and cooperation in support of regional peace, security and stability.

Shehbaz said he had conveyed to Pezeshkian that establishing peace was an urgent priority. According to the prime minister, the Iranian president appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and indicated that Iran remained ready to work further under the Islamabad MoU.

The prime minister also referred to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, saying friendly and brotherly countries were working to de-escalate the situation.

Security concerns

Turning to terrorism, Shehbaz accused militants coming from Afghanistan of carrying out attacks in Pakistan and killing civilians as well as military and police personnel.

He said Pakistan would continue responding to terrorism and would not remain idle until the threat was eliminated.

His comments came as his government continued to link domestic security with broader regional stability, while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic engagement on conflicts affecting Pakistan’s neighbouring region.

At the UNGA, Islamabad’s message has therefore centred on two parallel priorities: strengthening the domestic economy through collective leadership efforts and pursuing diplomacy to reduce regional tensions.