“PM Shehbaz to Highlight Kashmir and Palestine at UNGA Address on September 25”

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is expected to highlight the issues of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine in his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said.

Speaking to the media in New York, Ambassador Ahmad said the prime minister’s address would also cover multilateral cooperation, climate change and the current global situation. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has separately confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif will present Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global developments and highlight Kashmir and Palestine.

Kashmir and Palestine to Remain Key Issues

According to the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz will draw attention to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine during his UNGA address.

Pakistan has continued to call for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people under relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Islamabad has also maintained its support for a Palestinian state and called for an end to the violence in Gaza.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who is already in New York, is also scheduled to participate in meetings concerning Kashmir and Palestine on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Other Global Issues on Agenda

The Foreign Office said the prime minister’s UNGA engagements will also cover sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reform and issues facing the Global South.

Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and senior international officials during his visit to New York.

According to Ambassador Ahmad, Pakistan will use the UNGA platform to present its positions on major international issues and engage with other countries on matters of mutual concern.

Pakistan Calls for Dialogue and Diplomacy

The prime minister’s visit comes amid continuing regional conflicts and heightened international tensions.

Ambassador Ahmad said Pakistan was seeking a peaceful and internationally supported solution through dialogue and diplomatic mechanisms. He said Islamabad was working to encourage a ceasefire, reduce tensions and bring the parties concerned back to negotiations.

He stressed that the UN framework provides mechanisms for disputes to be addressed through negotiations rather than war.

UNGA Visit Gains Regional Significance

With the Middle East conflict expected to feature prominently in discussions among world leaders, Pakistan is also continuing its diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions.

The Foreign Office has said Islamabad will emphasise multilateralism, the UN Charter, regional peace and international cooperation during the high-level UNGA week.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s September 25 address is therefore expected to outline Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, Palestine, regional security and a range of broader global challenges.