In a significant diplomatic reference, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged former US President Donald Trump for his “timely intervention” amidst the military tensions between India and Pakistan in May 2025. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly’s 81st session, Sharif emphasized the critical nature of Trump’s involvement, which came at a time when the two nuclear-armed countries were on the brink of a larger conflict. He urged the region to avoid similar scenarios in the future.
Pakistan’s military response was defended by Sharif, who stressed that the country acted in self-defense, as per Article 51 of the UN Charter. He praised the Pakistani armed forces for their conduct during the confrontation. However, India has refuted the claim of any third-party involvement, stating that the ceasefire in May 2025 was achieved through direct communication between the two nations.
Sharif’s address also highlighted tensions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial agreement established in 1960 to manage the water resources of the Indus river system between India and Pakistan. He criticized India’s decision to hold the treaty in abeyance, arguing that such a move lacked legal justification. Sharif warned that any attempts by India to disrupt Pakistan’s share of the Indus waters would be considered an “act of war,” underscoring the river system’s significance to Pakistan and the wider region.
In response, India accused Pakistan of perpetuating cross-border terrorism, asserting that such actions have consequences. India’s representative at the UN reiterated their stance on maintaining the right to self-defense against terrorism, dismissing Pakistan’s allegations as baseless and emphasizing that repeated claims do not alter India’s position on the matter.