Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly session, delivered a sharp response to an Indian journalist who questioned him about cross-border terrorism.
As he arrived at the UN headquarters, the journalist asked the prime minister when Pakistan would put an end to cross-border terrorism. Without hesitation, Shehbaz responded firmly, saying, “We [Pakistan] are defeating you [India] in cross-border terrorism,” making his stance clear in a bold tone.
Relations between Pakistan and India have been highly strained since May, when India launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
While India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, Islamabad categorically denied the allegation. The conflict escalated into open hostilities before a ceasefire was brokered.
These tensions have also surfaced in the sporting arena. During the Asia Cup, Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav twice refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, further fueling the rivalry between the two nations.
In his UNGA speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan had confronted and repelled aggression from India in May. He recalled how “the enemy came shrouded in arrogance” but was sent back in “humiliation, delivering a bloody nose.” He reiterated that Pakistan stands firmly against terrorism in all forms and highlighted that the country has been on the front line of global counterterrorism efforts for more than two decades.
Later, while addressing the media, Shehbaz credited U.S. President Donald Trump for playing a pivotal role in securing peace and ending the conflict.
He expressed gratitude to Trump for his timely and decisive intervention, which prevented a larger war in South Asia. The premier added that Pakistan remains resolute in countering India’s cross-border terrorism and defending its sovereignty.
