PM Shehbaz arrives in New York for 81st UNGA session
The prime minister is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 25. His speech will present Pakistan’s position on important regional and global developments.
The UN General Assembly’s general debate is being held from September 22 to 26, with an additional sitting on September 28.
Kashmir and Palestine to feature in address
Kashmir and Palestine are expected to be among the key issues raised by Shehbaz Sharif during his UNGA address. Pakistan has consistently highlighted both issues at international forums. The prime minister is also expected to discuss developments affecting regional peace and security.
According to the Foreign Office, his address will reaffirm Pakistan’s support for dialogue, diplomacy, restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The speech will also allow Pakistan to present its views on wider international challenges.
Pakistan to highlight diplomacy and peace
The prime minister’s visit comes at a time of major international and regional challenges.
Pakistan is expected to emphasise diplomatic engagement and peaceful solutions to conflicts. The Foreign Office has said Pakistan will highlight its commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, regional peace and international cooperation.
Shehbaz Sharif will also outline Pakistan’s perspective on the changing regional and global security situation. The government has said dialogue and diplomacy remain important parts of Pakistan’s approach to international disputes.
Counter-terrorism and Islamophobia on agenda
Counter-terrorism and Islamophobia will also feature among Pakistan’s priorities during the UNGA session.
The prime minister is expected to draw attention to the need for international cooperation against terrorism. Islamophobia and issues affecting Muslim communities are also expected to be discussed.
Pakistan will further highlight concerns linked to sustainable development, climate change and global economic challenges. The situation of developing countries and issues facing the Global South will also be part of the country’s diplomatic agenda.
PM to meet world leaders and UN chief
During his stay in New York, Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to attend several high-level meetings and events. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders. Meetings with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres are also part of his programme.
These engagements will provide an opportunity to discuss regional and international developments. The prime minister is also expected to discuss Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation with other countries.
Ishaq Dar holds separate UNGA engagements
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is accompanying Shehbaz Sharif in New York. Dar has a separate programme of bilateral and multilateral meetings during the UNGA high-level week.
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According to the Foreign Office, he will participate in meetings of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and its Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. He will also attend high-level meetings focused on Palestine and participate in discussions on regional and international challenges.
Dar to address AI and pandemic meetings
Dar is also scheduled to participate in a high-level meeting on artificial intelligence. He will deliver a statement during a UN Security Council high-level briefing on artificial intelligence.
The foreign minister will also attend a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The United Nations has scheduled that meeting for September 25 as part of the 81st General Assembly’s high-level programme.
Dar will also chair a meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization Council of Ministers. He is expected to hold separate meetings with foreign counterparts during the week.
Pakistan prepares for busy diplomatic week
The UNGA visit allows Pakistan to engage with a large number of countries during a concentrated period of high-level diplomacy. The Pakistani delegation will use the meetings to discuss regional security, international cooperation and issues of importance to Islamabad.
The Foreign Office has said the visit will reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and peaceful cooperation. The high-level week also allows Pakistani officials to hold discussions outside the formal General Assembly debate.
Why the UNGA visit matters
The annual UN General Assembly brings together heads of state, government leaders and senior representatives from around the world.
For Pakistan, the session provides an important international platform to present its position on regional and global matters. Shehbaz Sharif’s September 25 address will be one of the main moments of Pakistan’s participation.
His meetings on the sidelines will also provide opportunities for direct discussions with other governments and international organisations. The 81st session’s general debate officially runs from September 22 to 26 and resumes on September 28.
