PM Shehbaz Arrives in New York for 81st UNGA Session

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in New York to attend the high-level segment of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with the General Debate taking place from September 22 to 26 and concluding on September 28.

 

The prime minister is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 25, where he is expected to present Pakistan’s position on regional and global developments. He will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and UN officials during the visit.

 

Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement is expected to focus on regional security, dialogue and efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Pakistan’s UN representative has said Islamabad remains engaged with relevant parties and supports negotiations and diplomatic efforts.

 

Shehbaz is also expected to discuss issues including sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reform and the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular attention to challenges confronting developing countries.

 

The issues of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir are also expected to feature in Pakistan’s position at the UNGA, alongside calls for international action based on relevant UN resolutions.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who arrived in New York earlier, is participating in a series of diplomatic engagements. His meetings include discussions with counterparts from Egypt and France, the Palestinian representative to the UN and EU foreign policy officials on regional developments, the situation in the Middle East, trade relations and Pakistan’s GSP+ arrangement with the European Union.

 

The UNGA General Debate officially runs from September 22–26 and September 28, while several high-level meetings on development, climate action, sea-level rise and pandemic preparedness are also scheduled during the week.