Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, focusing on critical issues such as Kashmir and Palestine, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, announced. During a briefing in New York, the ambassador outlined that Shehbaz’s speech will also cover multilateral cooperation, climate change, and the prevailing global challenges.
The 81st session of the UNGA will see the prime minister engaging with various world leaders, with several bilateral meetings planned. Notably, Pakistan is arranging a meeting between Shehbaz and Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook during the visit.
This visit coincides with the high-level UNGA session, where the ongoing Middle East conflict is expected to dominate discussions. The Foreign Office has emphasized that Shehbaz will articulate Pakistan’s stance on major international concerns, including sustainable development, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, global economic difficulties, UN reforms, and issues affecting the Global South. He will also bring attention to the situations in Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan continues to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve conflicts. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, already in New York, has been conducting meetings with foreign ministers and officials in preparation for Shehbaz’s arrival. Dar is also scheduled to participate in side meetings focused on Kashmir and Palestine during the UNGA session.
Pakistan has consistently called for an immediate cessation of violence in Gaza and supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with relevant UN resolutions. Similarly, Islamabad regularly raises the Kashmir dispute at the UN, advocating for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
On September 14, Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Pakistan’s pursuit of a peaceful resolution through dialogue and UN-backed mechanisms. He emphasized efforts to achieve a ceasefire, ease tensions, and encourage negotiations amid the deteriorating regional situation. Highlighting the UN Security Council Charter, Ahmad stressed that conflicts should be resolved through negotiations rather than warfare.
While acknowledging the worsening situation, the ambassador affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in preventing further escalation. “We recognize the negative trajectory of the situation and understand our responsibility to contribute positively,” he stated.
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