PM Shehbaz to address UN General Assembly’s 79th session tonight in New York

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is to address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) tonight in New York, where he is expected to raise the Palestine and Kashmir issues.

The premier will address the plenary meeting for the UN General Debate — scheduled to begin at 6pm PKT — as the second speaker of the session.

According to an earlier statement by the Foreign Office, PM Shehbaz is expected to emphasise the importance of addressing long-standing issues that have been on the agenda of the UN Security Council, such as the Palestine and Kashmir issues.

He will reaffirm Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and support for the role of the UN in fostering global peace, security, and prosperity, the FO had stated.

The premier will also express Pakistan’s commitment, as an incoming member of the UNSC for the year 2025-26, to “work with all UN member states to uphold the UN Charter, preventing conflict, fostering peace, and promoting global prosperity”.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the premier will highlight the impacts of climate change on countries; Pakistan’s sacrifices in its fight against terrorism; challenges faced by debt-burdened countries; India’s occupation of Kashmir; and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by Israeli forces.

Among other leaders whose addresses during the session are expected to be closely watched is Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as Tel Aviv’s bombardment of Gaza inches closer to a year and has expanded to Lebanon. Netanyahu is listed as the third speaker to address the UNGA after PM Shehbaz.

Also scheduled to speak is Bangladesh leader Muhammad Yunus, whose newly formed interim government has promised fresh elections after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last month.

PM meets with Iraq, Nepal counterparts

Meanwhile, ahead of the main event today, PM Shehbaz met with his Iraqi and Nepalese counterparts on the sidelines of the UNGA, APP reported.

In his meeting with Nepal’s PM K.P. Sharma Oli, the premier expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen multi-faceted bilateral cooperation in various areas.

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to continue exploring avenues for enhancing bilateral and regional ties.

Congratulating Oli on assuming the office as the prime minister, PM Shehbaz conveyed warm sentiments for the people and the government of Nepal on behalf of the Pakistani nation.

Expressing satisfaction at the excellent bilateral ties between Pakistan and Nepal, the premier also extended an invitation to his Nepalese counterpart to visit Pakistan.

Separately, in their meeting, PM Shehbaz and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani agreed to improve existing bilateral ties and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.

The premier appreciated the Iraqi government’s arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims last month on the occasion of Chehlum. Hundreds of Pakistanis had been left stranded at the Baghdad airport due to flight issues and returned soon thanks to both sides facilitating their early return.

While discussing Israel’s offensive on Gaza, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to hold Israel accountable for the “genocide” there.

Both leaders agreed towards reinforcing international efforts at the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to Palestine.

High-level meetups

Since arriving in New York on Tuesday for a five-day visit, PM Shehbaz has attended several high-level meetings and met with leaders of various countries on the sidelines of the UNGA.

So far, various countries’ heads that he has met with include Bangladesh’s Yunus; Kuwait’s crown prince; presidents of Palestine, Iran, Turkiye, Maldives; and prime ministers of Britain, Iraq, and Nepal.

Other interactions include meetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where the premier discussed global and regional issues, as well as with Bill Gates, where he emphasised Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate polio.

In his meetings with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga, PM Shehbaz discussed financing for climate change.