By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan’s delegation at the United Nations General Assembly this week, calling for decisive international action to resolve the crises in Palestine and disputed Kashmir, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said, as global leaders gather in New York for the 80th session of the world body.
The high-level week, which begins on Monday, is held under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” It kicks off with a series of summits, including a ceremony to mark the UN’s 80th anniversary and a Sustainable Development Goals Moment meeting. From Sept. 23-29, leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs, will deliver national statements from the iconic green marble podium, outlining visions for peace, development, and collective action.
Sharif is expected to use his address to urge the international community to address prolonged occupations and the denial of self-determination, particularly in Palestine and India-occupied Kashmir, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office. “”He will draw the attention of the international community towards the grave crisis in Gaza, and call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Palestinians,” the ministry said, adding that Sharif will also highlight Pakistan’s perspective on regional security, climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development.
“The Pakistan delegation led by Prime Minister will take an active part in the high-level segment of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly,” Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, wrote on X. Ahmad welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who arrived in New York on Sunday to attend the global gathering.
The UNGA session comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with nearly 150 world leaders converging amid protests and ongoing conflicts. The unresolved question of Palestine, a challenge that has tested the UN’s credibility since its founding, will be a focal point. Sharif will participate in a “High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, aimed at reviving support for a two-state solution.
In a break with tradition, the UNGA voted last week to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the conference via video link after the United States denied visas to him and his delegation, preventing their attendance in person.
Sharif’s agenda includes several high-level events on the sidelines of the UNGA, including meetings of the UN Security Council, the Global Development Initiative, and a special event on climate action. He will also join a meeting of select Islamic leaders with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss issues related to regional and international peace and security.
“The prime minister will also participate in a meeting of select Islamic leaders with US President Trump to exchange views on issues pertaining to regional and international peace and security.”
Bilateral meetings with world leaders and senior UN officials are also planned, where Sharif will underscore Pakistan’s commitment, as a current member of the UN Security Council, to work with all member states to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, and promote global prosperity.
“He will also underline Pakistan’s resolve to work with all UN member states to uphold the UN charter, prevent conflict, foster peace and promote global prosperity in Pakistan’s current role as a member of the Security Council,” the statement said. “The prime minister’s participation in this biggest annual gathering of global leaders will showcase Pakistan’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations and to highlight Pakistan’s longstanding contribution towards the shared objectives of peace and development.”
Foreign Minister Dar, who will accompany Sharif, arrived in New York on Sunday and was received by Ahmad, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and senior mission officials, according to a Foreign Office post on X. Dar is expected to have a packed schedule, representing Pakistan in numerous ministerial and high-level meetings and holding over a dozen bilateral discussions with counterparts.
Earlier on Monday, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, and other diplomatic staff saw Sharif off at Luton Airport in the UK as he departed for New York.
Copyright © 2021 Independent Pakistan | All rights reserved
