Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is scheduled to highlight pressing global issues such as Palestine, Islamophobia, and the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), according to a statement from the Foreign Office on Sunday.
The premier will participate in the UNGA session from September 23 to 27, using his address on September 27 to stress the importance of resolving longstanding conflicts on the agenda of the UN Security Council (UNSC), including Palestine and IIOJK.
Before heading to New York, PM Shehbaz made a brief stop in London and will depart for the UNGA on Monday. Sharing his anticipation, the prime minister posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Departing for New York to represent Pakistan at the 79th UN General Assembly. Looking forward to a busy week full of engagements. We will present Pakistan’s perspective to the world.”
The Foreign Office highlighted that PM Shehbaz will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and emphasize the need for global cooperation in addressing economic inequalities and reforming international financial systems. Additionally, he will call for decisive action on climate change and the growing issue of Islamophobia.
Pakistan’s priorities will also be underscored as the country prepares to take on a role as a member of the UNSC for the 2025-26 term, with PM Shehbaz expected to engage with world leaders, including the UN secretary-general and the UNGA president, during several high-level meetings.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was initially scheduled to accompany the prime minister but canceled his trip due to upcoming diplomatic engagements and preparations for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s meeting.