Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in New York to lead Pakistan's delegation at the 81st UN General Assembly, where he is expected to outline Islamabad's position on regional security, diplomacy and global challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi are accompanying Sharif, who is expected to hold bilateral talks with world leaders and meet the UN Secretary-General. He will also take part in high-level meetings on development, climate action and other international issues.
The UNGA high-level week runs from 22 to 28 September, with more than 130 heads of state and government expected to attend. Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the 193-member General Assembly on 25 September.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif will outline Pakistan’s position on the changing regional and global security situation, focusing on dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The Prime Minister's Office said Sharif would also highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote regional peace and stability.
His address will cover Pakistan’s priorities on sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism, Islamophobia and global economic challenges. He will also raise the situation in Gaza and Jammu and Kashmir, including Islamabad's position on the right to self-determination.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has listed reform of the UN and challenges facing the Global South among its broader priorities at the UNGA. Dar is expected to attend Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meetings on Kashmir and Gaza, a high-level meeting on the implementation of a two-state solution, and a UN Security Council briefing on artificial intelligence.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Dar met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in New York on Tuesday.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemned recent attacks targeting the kingdom. The two ministers also discussed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation under the pact and to regional peace, stability and security.
Pakistan has repeatedly condemned attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including a drone attack on Makkah and attacks on the East-West Pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions. Islamabad has also called for de-escalation and diplomacy amid the wider regional crisis.
Separately, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on the sidelines of the UNGA to abolish visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official or special passports.
Dar and Prince Faisal signed the agreement in New York. Dar said the move would help facilitate high-level engagement and institutional exchanges between the two countries.
Sharif's address to the General Assembly on 25 September is expected to bring Pakistan's diplomatic priorities into sharper focus, particularly its positions on regional conflicts, Gaza and Kashmir.
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