At the UNGA, PM Shehbaz would emphasise Pakistan’s stance on important global issues: FO

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would talk about Kashmir and Palestine in his presentation to the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stated on Sunday.

Speaking at a media briefing in New York ahead of the prime minister’s arrival, Ahmad said Shehbaz would also talk about multilateral cooperation, climate change and the present global situation.

The prime minister will deliver a speech during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on September 25.

The envoy said he is also scheduled to meet a number of world leaders during the visit.

Pakistan was also trying to arrange a meeting between Shehbaz and Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook, Ahmad said.

The prime minister’s visit coincides with the high-level session of the UNGA in New York where the Middle East conflict is expected to figure heavily in the agenda of discussions among world leaders.

The Foreign Office says Shehbaz will also explain Pakistan’s perspective on significant international problems during his visit.

The FO said his presentation would include sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reforms and concerns impacting the Global South, while he will also draw attention to Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir.

The FO further added that Pakistan would continue to promote discussion and diplomacy for the resolution of problems.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was already in New York, having discussions with foreign ministers and other officials ahead of Shehbaz’s arrival.

Dar is also slated to attend sessions on Kashmir and Palestine on the sidelines of the UNGA conference.

Pakistan has repeatedly called for an immediate halt to the violence in Gaza and continues to support the formation of an independent Palestinian state on the basis of relevant UN resolutions.

Islamabad has also consistently addressed the Kashmir issue at the UN, demanding the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.