WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York on Monday to attend the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where the General Debate begins today (Tuesday) and continues through Sept 26, with a concluding day on Sept 28.
According to the PM Office, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept 25, presenting Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global developments and highlighting its priorities. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN secretary-general and participate in high-level events on the sidelines of the session.
A PMO source told Dawn that the prime minister was likely to return to Pakistan on Sept 27 or 28 after spending another day or two in London following the UNGA. He had arrived in London on Thursday and stayed there for five days before travelling to the United States.
His visit comes as calls for diplomacy and warnings of wider conflict dominate the UNGA backdrop, with the war involving Iran and the widening Saudi-Houthi conflict adding urgency to diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan’s diplomatic role has also featured prominently ahead of the UNGA. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, said Islamabad remained in contact with both Washington and Tehran at senior levels and was encouraging the two sides to return to negotiations.
The envoy said the prime minister would address the evolving regional and international security environment, emphasizing dialogue, diplomacy, restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Pakistan’s mediation and diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and promote regional peace and stability would also be highlighted.
The prime minister is expected to address a broader range of issues, including sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reform and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Pakistani mission said particular attention would be given to challenges facing the Global South and the need for greater international cooperation on interconnected development, economic, climate and security issues.
Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir will also feature prominently. Ambassador Asim said Shehbaz would highlight prolonged occupation and the denial of the right to self-determination, particularly in Palestine and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and call for the issues to be addressed in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The PM is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and the UN secretary-general to discuss regional and international developments and strengthen Pakistan’s partnerships.
UN praises Islamabad MoU efforts
The spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Gutteres has said he has been in touch with Pakistani officials to assist efforts to end the US-Iran conflict, according to Al Jazeera.
Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric praised Pakistan’s role in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed by the US and Iran in June to cease hostilities, deeming it “a great achievement”. He told a media conference that re-engaging in talks would help end the conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Meanwhile, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who arrived in New York a day earlier, is scheduled to attend a high-level UNSC meeting on artificial intelligence on Sept 23, as well as meetings on Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dar and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty discussed the prevailing situation in the Middle East. Both sides underscored the importance of dialogue in addressing the challenges and stressed the need for full implementation of the Islamabad MoU by all parties.
The foreign ministers agreed to further deepen coordination on issues of common interest, reaffirming the importance of continued consultations under the Regional Four (R4) framework.
In a meeting with Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations Ambassador Riyad Mansour, Mr Dar said Pakistan would continue to support Palestinian cause and push for an immediate end to the suffering in Gaza.
He also met Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Nol Barrot and discussed regional and global developments. He appreciated France’s efforts in support of the two-state solution, including its decision to restrict imports of goods from Israeli settlements. On the Iran situation, both sides highlighted the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU.
Both ministers also stressed the need to ensure the safety and free flow of maritime traffic and uninterrupted energy supplies, given the wider economic implications of the disruptions.
In his engagement with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments. He appreciated the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments and its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue.
Syed Irfan Raza in Islamabad also contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2026
