- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:24 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday asserted that his country was “defeating cross-border terrorism” when asked about the issue by news agency ANI as he entered the United Nations headquarters in New York.
In a brief exchange captured on camera, a reporter asked, “When is Pakistan going to end cross-border terrorism?” Shehbaz Sharif paused, turned toward the camera, and responded casually, “We are defeating cross-border terrorism. We are defeating them,” before continuing into the UN building.
The UNSC session also addressed several pressing global challenges. A crucial vote is pending on delaying the automatic “snapback” of UN sanctions on Iran, while the council has extended its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until 2026. Discussions also touched upon the conflicts in Ukraine and South Sudan, as well as rising tensions in Lebanon following an Israeli drone strike. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used the session to renew his call for Security Council reforms. He stressed that the body must represent “the world of today, not that of 1945” and highlighted India as an important voice in any restructured council.
#WATCH | New York | "We are defeating cross-border terrorism. We are defeating them," says Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif when asked by ANI about cross-border terrorism as he enters the UN pic.twitter.com/pnCeYqZdNp
— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025
India Reacts To Pakistan-US Engagement
Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks on cross-border terrorism and his engagements at the UN come at a critical time for regional security. The brief but strong statement reinforces Pakistan’s narrative of actively combating militancy and terrorism along its borders.
During his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office. The talks, attended by Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, were described by Islamabad as “highly significant and security-focused.” The discussion reportedly covered a wide range of bilateral and regional security issues.
Shehbaz Sharif also used the platform to invite American companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture, technology, mining, and energy sectors. He termed the talks as indicative of a “further warming” in US-Pakistan relations, signaling stronger economic and strategic cooperation in the coming years.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reacted sharply to the meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and President Trump. The ministry reiterated India’s long-standing stance that “there is no role for any third party in matters concerning India and Pakistan.” MEA emphasised that “all outstanding issues between the two countries must be resolved bilaterally.” The statement reflects India’s continued insistence on direct dialogue and resolution of cross-border issues without external mediation.
Pakistan’s PM is allegedly seeking to project an image of stability and security to the international community while simultaneously attracting foreign investment. By highlighting both security and economic opportunities, Islamabad appears to be balancing international perception with domestic priorities.
This visit by Pakistan’s Prime Minister comes amid heightened regional security concerns and ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with major global powers. His statements and engagements may influence both regional geopolitics and investor confidence in Pakistan.