Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached New York to attend the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to address the world body on September 25.
His address will outline Pakistan’s position on key global and regional issues, including the Kashmir and Palestine disputes, while emphasizing dialogue, diplomacy, de-escalation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The prime minister arrived in New York with a small Pakistani delegation for the annual UN General Assembly session.
During his speech, Shehbaz Sharif will present Pakistan’s stance on the evolving regional and global security situation and highlight the country’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace.
The prime minister is also expected to strongly advocate dialogue, diplomacy, restraint and peaceful solutions to disputes, in line with Pakistan’s stated position on regional and international conflicts.
The 81st UN General Assembly’s general debate is being held from September 22 to 26, with an additional sitting on September 28 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Kashmir, Palestine to feature prominently
The Kashmir dispute and the situation in Palestine will be among the key issues highlighted by the prime minister.
Shehbaz will present Pakistan’s position on both issues while drawing attention to developments affecting regional peace and stability.
The Foreign Office has said the prime minister’s UNGA engagements will reinforce the country’s commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, regional peace and international cooperation.
Counter-terrorism, Islamophobia and UN reforms
Counter-terrorism, Islamophobia and reform of the United Nations will also feature in the prime minister’s address.
Shehbaz Sharif will outline Pakistan’s perspective on broader global challenges while highlighting the importance of effective international cooperation and multilateral institutions.
Pakistan’s priorities at the session also include sustainable development, climate change, global economic challenges and issues confronting the Global South.
PM to hold meetings with world leaders
During his stay in New York, Shehbaz Sharif will participate in various high-level sessions and events on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
He will hold meetings with world leaders as well as UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with discussions expected to focus on the regional and global situation and multilateral relations.
The engagements will also provide an opportunity to discuss Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional and international peace and strengthen cooperation with other countries and international organisations.
Dar to hold separate bilateral meetings
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the UNGA visit, along with Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and other members of the Pakistani delegation.
Dar will hold separate bilateral and multilateral meetings with foreign counterparts and participate in several high-level engagements during the UNGA week.
According to the Foreign Ministry, his programme includes meetings focused on Kashmir and Palestine, OIC engagements and discussions on regional and international challenges. He will also accompany the prime minister during high-level bilateral meetings.
Dar is also sheduled to participate in a high-level meeting on artificial intelligence on September 23. He will deliver a statement at a UN Security Council high-level briefing on artificial intelligence and attend the high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
The deputy prime minister will also chair a meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers and hold bilateral discussions with counterparts from several countries.
Pakistan prepares for intensive UNGA diplomacy
The UNGA visit comes as world leaders gather in New York for the high-level week of the 81st General Assembly.
For Pakistan, the session will provide a platform for Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation to present Islamabad’s positions on major regional and global developments while pursuing bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements.
The prime minister’s September 25 address will therefore combine Pakistan’s positions on Kashmir and Palestine with its broader calls for dialogue, diplomacy, de-escalation, counter-terrorism cooperation, action against Islamophobia and reform of the United Nations.
