PTBP Web Desk
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
This session, one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings of the year, will see over 130 heads of state and government from across the globe discussing various pressing international issues. PM Sharif is scheduled to deliver a speech at the General Assembly on Friday, where he will present Pakistan’s stance on a range of global concerns and advocate for the country’s interests on the world stage.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the General Assembly will focus on several key international and regional issues, reflecting Pakistan’s foreign policy and global priorities. A central aspect of his speech will be to highlight Pakistan’s perspective on long-standing international conflicts, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the situation in Palestine. These are two issues that have remained at the heart of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, and PM Sharif is expected to reiterate Pakistan’s call for peaceful resolutions in line with international law and United Nations resolutions.
In addition to addressing regional conflicts, PM Shehbaz Sharif will reaffirm Pakistan’s strong commitment to multilateralism. His speech is expected to underline Pakistan’s belief in the role of the United Nations in promoting global peace, security, and prosperity. The prime minister will emphasize the importance of international cooperation to address the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, security, and sustainable development.
Aside from his address to the General Assembly, PM Shehbaz Sharif will be attending several high-level meetings on the sidelines of the session. These include discussions on some of the most critical issues facing the global community, such as the existential threats posed by rising sea levels due to climate change. Pakistan, as a country highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, has consistently called for greater global action on this issue. The prime minister is expected to advocate for more robust international efforts to combat climate change and support for developing nations in their mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Additionally, PM Sharif will participate in the UN Security Council’s open debate on “Leadership for Peace.” This high-level discussion will focus on the role of global leadership in maintaining international peace and security, a theme that aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and its advocacy for peaceful conflict resolution.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to New York will also provide an opportunity for bilateral diplomacy. The prime minister is scheduled to meet with several world leaders on the sidelines of the General Assembly session. These meetings will be crucial for strengthening Pakistan’s relations with key international partners, enhancing cooperation on various fronts including trade, security, and regional stability.
Furthermore, the prime minister will meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. During this meeting, PM Sharif is likely to discuss global and regional issues, particularly those related to peace, security, and humanitarian challenges. Pakistan has long been an active participant in UN peacekeeping missions, and the country’s contribution to global peace will be a focal point in these discussions.
In line with his government’s focus on economic growth and attracting foreign investment, PM Shehbaz Sharif will engage with members of the US-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistani bankers. He will use this platform to promote Pakistan’s pro-business and investment-friendly policies, aiming to strengthen economic ties and encourage foreign investments into Pakistan’s economy. As the country seeks to recover from its economic challenges, attracting international investors remains a top priority for the government.
Before departing from Islamabad to New York, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of presenting Pakistan’s perspective to the international community. In a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the prime minister stated that his participation at the UNGA would focus on advocating for Pakistan’s interests and strengthening international partnerships. This message reflects Pakistan’s broader diplomatic agenda, which seeks to enhance the country’s role in global governance and forge stronger relations with key international actors.
PM Sharif’s visit to New York comes at a time when Pakistan is facing a number of economic and geopolitical challenges. His engagements at the UNGA, including the bilateral meetings and high-level discussions, will provide an opportunity for Pakistan to secure international support on key issues, enhance cooperation with global partners, and reaffirm its commitment to multilateral diplomacy.
As the high-level debate at the UN General Assembly is set to take place from September 24 to 28, massive security measures have been put in place around the UN complex in New York. With over 130 world leaders attending the session, security is a top priority to ensure the smooth functioning of the event and the safety of all participants.
This year’s session holds particular importance as it takes place amidst ongoing global challenges, including economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and the effects of climate change. The discussions at the General Assembly are expected to address these issues, with leaders from around the world working to find collective solutions for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
