PM Shehbaz arrives in New York to present Pakistan's position on regional, global security at UNGA

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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York to address the 81st UN General Assembly, focusing on regional and global security issues, including the Gulf conflict and long-standing regional disputes. He plans to emphasize dialogue, diplomacy, and highlight Pakistan’s mediation efforts along with priorities like climate change and economic challenges.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United States on Monday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, his office said. The premier was received at the airport by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. PM Shehbaz is slated to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 25, where the Gulf conflict is expected to overshadow much of the high-level debate. The official theme of the 81st session is ‘Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All’, and the UNGA debate is expected to run from Sept 22 to 26, with a final sitting on Sept 28. However, ongoing fighting between Washington and Tehran is expected to feature prominently in discussions among world leaders, particularly over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, regional stability and the possibility of finding a diplomatic way out of the confrontation. “In his address, the prime minister will present Pakistan’s position on the changing situation regarding regional and global security, emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said. It added that the premier would highlight Pakistan’s “active diplomatic and mediation efforts for eliminating tensions in the region and promoting peace and stability, while also presenting Pakistan’s priorities on key global issues, including sustainable development, climate change, the fight against terrorism, Islamophobia, and global economic challenges”. The prime minister would also draw the attention of the international community to the long-standing issues of “occupation and denial” of the right to self-determination in India-occupied Kashmir and Palestine, the statement said. He would participate in several high-level meetings related to development, climate action, and other important matters during the UNGA session and present Pakistan’s position, it said, adding that the premier would hold bilateral meetings with various world leaders present at the session, as well as and the UN secretary general. The premier had on Thursday reached London for a two-day stopover before proceeding to the United States. Dar’s bilateral meetings Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in New York ahead of the premier on Monday to participate in the UNGA session, the Foreign Office (FO) said. On the sidelines of the session, the deputy premier met with France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and the two reviewed Pakistan-France bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments. According to a statement by the FO, Dar “reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, including through enhanced political engagement, trade and investment, educational linkages and people-to-people exchanges”. The two also discussed Palestine, stressing that the issue must remain “high on the international agenda”. The deputy prime minister appreciated France’s efforts to support the two-state solution. Barrot, meanwhile, appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region. On the topic of Iran, “both sides exchanged views on the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and regional efforts to address the crisis, and highlighted the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU,” the statement said. They also stressed the need to ensure the “safety and free flow” of maritime traffic and uninterrupted energy supplies. The French foreign minister agreed on the importance of utilising regional forums to address regional challenges and promote dialogue, the FO statement added. Separately, DPM Dar also met with Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty. The two ministers reaffirmed the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Egypt and expressed commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in “diverse areas, including trade and investment, economic cooperation, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts”, the FO said. They also discussed regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East. They reaffirmed the importance of continued consultations under the Regional Four (R4) framework and agreed to further deepen coordination on issues of common interest, the statement added. The minister also met with the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, Ambassador Riyad Mansour, at the UN Headquarters. During the meeting, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the Palestinian cause and people, including their “inalienable right to self-determination and an independent, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State”. “Pakistan will continue to strongly raise the issue during UNGA and at all relevant forums … and advance international efforts for an immediate e