LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed his recent visits to New York and Washington as “highly successful and productive,” highlighting significant progress on issues ranging from Gaza and Kashmir to counterterrorism, trade, and climate change.

Speaking to Pakistani journalists in London, the prime minister said the UN meeting on the Gaza crisis, chaired by former US President Donald Trump, was a “welcome development.” Pakistan, he noted, was specially invited to the session, which was also attended by Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt.

“I am confident that the recent meeting will lead to positive outcomes soon. The brutalities in Gaza since 2023 must come to an end. History has rarely witnessed such atrocities against Muslims,” the prime minister stated, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

He said Pakistan voiced strong support for the Palestinian people at the UN General Assembly and also raised the Kashmir issue with full force. “In the battle for truth, Pakistan dealt India a crushing defeat. Our armed forces taught them a lesson they will never forget,” he asserted, recalling that Pakistan’s military victory and defensive nuclear capability demonstrated the country’s strength and resolve.

On climate change, the premier highlighted the devastation caused by floods in Sindh in 2022 and Punjab this year, which submerged thousands of villages and killed over 1,000 people. He said the government is assessing the damage but remains determined to “emerge stronger from this challenge.”

Shehbaz Sharif described his meeting with President Trump in Washington as “extremely cordial and productive,” covering trade, investment, energy, minerals, agriculture, and IT cooperation. Trump assured him of efforts to expand bilateral trade relations, he added.

The prime minister also spoke about his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, saying Pakistan was given “tremendous respect” and the leadership’s warm welcome was “a matter of pride for 240 million Pakistanis.” He stressed that the defence pact with Saudi Arabia is not aimed against any country but reflects “a deep, decades-old relationship of trust.”

On counterterrorism, Shehbaz Sharif warned that the threat is re-emerging, but Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies are fully committed to eliminating it. He blamed the previous government for releasing and resettling terrorists, calling it a major reason for the resurgence.

“Groups like TTP, BLA, and Majid Brigade are acting as tools of hostile forces. We will not rest until terrorism is completely eradicated,” he vowed, paying tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces.

The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership are on the same page on all key issues and expressed hope that “continued harmony” would help the country overcome past challenges.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the protection of the Two Holy Mosques and reiterated his government’s determination to build a strong and resilient economy. He also revealed that 1,000 agricultural graduates have been sent to China for training as part of efforts to boost the sector.