New York (September 24, 2025): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will represent Pakistan at the high-level segment of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week, with a firm resolve to draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the longstanding dispute in Kashmir.
According to the government, Shehbaz will call on the international community to take “decisive action” to end Palestinian suffering and push for a just resolution to both Gaza and Indian-occupied Kashmir, where people continue to be denied their right to self-determination.
Every September, heads of state and government gather in New York for the annual UNGA debate, making it the world’s most significant diplomatic stage. Officials say Shehbaz’s speech will not only highlight Palestine and Kashmir but also present Pakistan’s perspective on a range of pressing challenges, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development.
The government underscored that Shehbaz’s presence at the UNGA reflects “Pakistan’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations, as well as the country’s longstanding contributions to peace and development.”
Packed Diplomatic Agenda
The prime minister, who arrived in New York late Monday night from London, is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with senior cabinet members and officials.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Shehbaz is expected to meet Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Kuwait’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. His bilateral meetings with world leaders and senior UN officials will focus on economic cooperation, security, and Pakistan’s role on the UN Security Council.
Shehbaz will also attend several high-level events, including meetings of the UN Security Council, a climate action summit, and a Global Development Initiative conference under the theme: “Recommit to our Original Aspirations, United to Build a Brighter Future of Global Development.”
Trump’s Summit with Arab and Muslim Leaders
In a parallel development, Shehbaz has been invited to attend a special summit of Arab and Muslim states co-hosted by the United States and Qatar. US President Donald Trump will preside over the gathering, which will bring together leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Gaza will dominate the discussions. According to media reports, Trump plans to propose a roadmap for Gaza’s post-war governance, which includes Israeli withdrawal, the release of hostages, and the deployment of Arab and Muslim forces to oversee the transition with financial backing for reconstruction.
Dar’s Parallel Engagements
Ahead of the UNGA debate, France and Monaco formally recognized the State of Palestine during a high-level conference in New York. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who attended the meeting, welcomed the growing recognition of Palestine in a post on X.
Dar has also been actively engaging other counterparts. On Tuesday, he met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, with both sides agreeing to boost trade and economic ties while acknowledging the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
The deputy prime minister also held talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Syrian people and pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, development, and human capital. Separately, he met GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi to discuss strengthening institutional ties with the Gulf bloc.
Dar further participated in the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and joined consultations hosted by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, attended by senior leaders from Jordan, UAE, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.
Pakistan’s Global Messaging
Diplomatic observers note that Pakistan is using this year’s UNGA not only to spotlight Gaza and Kashmir but also to project itself as a voice for Muslim causes while reaffirming its commitment to multilateral cooperation in an increasingly fractured world order.
