The destruction caused by the Second World War forced the world to realize that if wars continued, the world would soon meet its end. Therefore, to avoid conflicts and establish peace, it was essential to come together and create a framework that all countries would follow, transforming the world into a sanctuary of peace. Thus, from April 25, 1945, to June 26, 1945, a conference was held in San Francisco, USA, attended by representatives of about 50 countries. They deliberated on the establishment of an international organization, and a charter was drafted. This led to the formation of the United Nations on October 24, 1945. The name “United Nations” was proposed by former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The preamble and objectives of its charter stated that the people of the United Nations were determined to save future generations from the scourge of war, ensure the respect of fundamental human rights, create conditions where the obligations under international agreements are upheld, and work together to maintain international peace and security by promoting cooperation to resolve global issues.
To address these objectives and other global concerns, the United Nations holds an annual session of the General Assembly, where leaders of member states present their stances on pressing issues and urge the organization to play its role in resolving international disputes and establishing peace, as per its charter.
In this context, last week, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, highlighted several major global issues such as the year-long Israeli aggression on Palestine, Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, Israeli attacks on Lebanon, the looming war threats in the Middle East, Islamophobia, rising extremism, global climate change, and economic challenges faced by developing countries. He earnestly urged the global community to fulfill its responsibilities in addressing these issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, fully representing the sentiments of the Pakistani people, openly condemned the Israeli violence in Gaza, Netanyahu’s expansionist ambitions, and the brutal terrorism of the Modi government in occupied Kashmir. He powerfully presented Pakistan’s case before the world leaders. He warned the international community that if the United Nations does not act swiftly to resolve the issues of Palestine and Kashmir in accordance with its charter and passed resolutions, and if no serious efforts are made to curb Israel’s growing military madness, the bloodshed of innocent Palestinians and Kashmiris will continue. Similarly, the violence in the Middle East caused by Israel will escalate, increasing the likelihood of a third world war.
The Prime Minister stated that the blood of innocent children in Gaza stains not only those directly involved in the violence but also the hidden forces that prolong the conflict. Similarly, India’s state-sponsored terrorism in occupied Kashmir has ignited a fire of destruction. He demanded the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and called for India to revoke its illegal unilateral actions in occupied Kashmir, implemented on August 5, 2019.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for the right of self-determination for Palestinians and Kashmiris. He lamented that the world has remained a silent spectator to the massacres in Palestine and Kashmir, a position of immense sorrow and regret. He urged the international community to take decisive action to stop Israeli brutality. The Prime Minister’s concerns about the dangerous consequences of Israeli actions are not unfounded. After a year of oppression against Palestinians, Israel has now turned its attention to Lebanon and Hezbollah. Four days ago, Israel attacked Beirut, assassinating Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and now, according to news reports, the Israeli army is attempting to invade Lebanon via land.
Israel aims to expand the war into Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Standing on the platform of the United Nations, an organization dedicated to establishing peace, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu threatened that there is no place in Iran where Israel cannot reach. It is regrettable that due to pressure from the United States and its allies, the United Nations has completely failed to resolve the conflicts of Kashmir and Palestine, according to its own resolutions. This failure raises significant questions about the United Nations’ establishment and role.