Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York next week. The session’s official theme is ‘Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All,’ with debates scheduled from September 22 to 26 and a concluding sitting on September 28.

During a press briefing in Islamabad, the Foreign Office spokesperson outlined that the prime minister will emphasize Pakistan’s stance on various regional and global matters, advocating dialogue, diplomacy, restraint, and peaceful dispute resolution. He will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, along with federal ministers and senior officials.

In his address, PM Shehbaz will focus on Pakistan’s priorities including sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reforms, and issues affecting the Global South. Notably, he will also highlight the ongoing crises in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine.

Besides delivering his speech, the prime minister will participate in high-level events and engage in bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN Secretary-General. These interactions aim to underscore Pakistan’s dedication to multilateralism, the principles of the UN Charter, regional peace, and international cooperation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has expressed serious concern over the situation in Bab al-Mandab, a critical and heavily contested maritime chokepoint. Recently, the Houthis took control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, including the historic port of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab strait, often referred to as the “Gate of Tears.” The Foreign Office spokesperson urged the Houthis to halt their activities, emphasizing the necessity of peace in the region achieved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than force.

Pakistan is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and condemned a recent Houthi attack, describing it as a heinous act that wounded Muslim sentiments globally. The spokesperson praised the swift and courageous response by Saudi armed forces in thwarting the attack. Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of the Haramain Sharifain, a responsibility deeply held by every Pakistani.

Furthermore, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia and the trilateral Makkah Defence Alliance. When asked about mechanisms to counter Houthi attacks, it was emphasized that Pakistan remains dedicated to executing both agreements.

In a separate development, Pakistan lodged a strong protest with India over provocative actions by an Indian naval vessel within Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on September 15, 2026. During Pakistan Navy’s annual exercise SEASPARK-26, the Indian vessel performed aggressive maneuvers dangerously close to a Pakistani naval ship, resulting in physical contact between the two vessels.

This incident was condemned as a serious breach of international law and the 1991 bilateral agreement on advance notification of military exercises and movements. It was also seen as a threat to regional peace and stability. Pakistan called on India to strictly observe international laws and bilateral agreements designed to prevent such maritime incidents. The Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi is set to formally protest to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office dismissed Indian allegations concerning the Pak-China border commission, affirming China as a trusted partner of Pakistan. The spokesperson also addressed a hostile campaign by India targeting Sikh pilgrims traveling to Pakistan and assured that Pakistan will continue issuing visas for Sikh pilgrims. The upcoming Baisakhi festival is expected to be celebrated with great enthusiasm and spirit.