Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that unresolved political disputes around the world are transforming the global situation into a “powder keg,” threatening peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Addressing a special event organized under the auspices of the United Nations titled “Sustainable Development: The Pathway to Global Peace and Prosperity,” the prime minister highlighted the multiple crises confronting the world today. He stressed that escalating conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, economic inequality, and climate-related disasters are collectively undermining international peace and cooperation.
In his address, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that diplomacy, dialogue, and constructive engagement remain the only viable tools for preventing and resolving conflicts. He stated that coercion, threats, and unilateral actions only deepen mistrust and instability. According to him, sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military means or economic pressure; instead, it requires mutual respect, adherence to international law, and a genuine commitment to justice.
The prime minister underlined that sustainable development must be rooted in fairness and equity. Without justice and inclusive growth, he warned, global peace will remain an unattainable dream. He argued that development efforts that ignore inequality and marginalization ultimately create conditions for unrest and prolonged conflict. Societies burdened by poverty, injustice, and lack of opportunity are more vulnerable to instability, which in turn affects regional and global security.
Shehbaz Sharif also expressed concern over rising tensions in South Asia. Without directly naming any country, he regretted that Pakistan’s neighbor had threatened to use the water-sharing mechanism of the Indus River as a political weapon. He noted that the river system serves as a lifeline for approximately 240 million people in Pakistan, sustaining agriculture, livelihoods, and the broader economy. Any attempt to manipulate water resources for political leverage, he suggested, would have severe humanitarian and economic consequences.
The prime minister’s remarks underscored the importance of honoring international agreements and respecting established water-sharing frameworks. He emphasized that such arrangements are vital for regional stability and must not be undermined by political disputes. Water security, he pointed out, is directly linked to food security, economic resilience, and social harmony in Pakistan.
Turning to the broader international landscape, Shehbaz Sharif called for a stronger and more effective United Nations. He argued that the organization must be adequately resourced, reformed, and empowered to meet contemporary challenges. According to him, the UN should remain the central pillar of global cooperation, capable of mediating disputes, coordinating humanitarian assistance, and advancing development goals.
He stressed that global institutions must adapt to changing realities and reflect the voices and concerns of developing countries. Reform, he said, is essential to ensure that the multilateral system remains credible and responsive. Without meaningful reform, global governance structures risk losing relevance in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of multilateralism and collective action. He noted that challenges such as climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, and economic instability cannot be addressed by individual countries acting alone. Instead, coordinated international efforts are required to build resilience and ensure shared prosperity.
During his visit, Shehbaz Sharif also attended a signing ceremony for cooperation agreements between Pakistan and various UN agencies. These agreements aim to strengthen collaboration in areas such as sustainable development, social protection, climate adaptation, and humanitarian assistance. The prime minister described the partnerships as a reflection of Pakistan’s dedication to working closely with international institutions for the welfare of its people.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and stressed the need for enhanced financial and technical assistance to developing nations. He pointed out that many countries are struggling with debt burdens and limited fiscal space, which hinder their ability to invest in social and economic development.
Concluding his remarks, the prime minister reiterated that unresolved political conflicts continue to endanger global peace and stability. He urged the international community to prioritize dialogue, fairness, and cooperation over confrontation and rivalry. Only by addressing root causes of disputes and ensuring equitable development, he said, can the world move toward lasting peace and shared prosperity.
