A female official within the Pakistani delegation to the United Nations has become the focus of attention. She was seen behind Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which raised questions about her role. The official is Shama Junejo, a columnist and social media activist. Her inclusion has become a subject of dispute, with questions being raised about her selection. Junejo claims that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif included her as an advisor in the delegation. The controversy began when images of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s speech at a UN Security Council session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) went viral on social media, and users noticed Junejo behind him. Scrutiny of Junejo’s posts showed pro-Israel sentiments, conflicting with Pakistan’s pro-Palestinian stance. This led to queries about her inclusion. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated only the Foreign Office could clarify Junejo’s presence. The Foreign Office clarified that she wasn’t part of the official delegation. The Foreign Office stated that Junejo’s name wasn’t on the official Letter of Credence for the 80th UNGA session, signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Khawaja Asif expressed surprise and worry about the inclusion of such individuals. He also refuted claims that Junejo wrote Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech for the 80th UN General Assembly. Junejo stated that she had been working for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for months. Junejo stated that she was included in the UN delegation as an advisor by PM Shehbaz Sharif. She stated her policy briefs, advice, and suggestions are documented. She claims to have been tasked with writing the Prime Minister’s UN speech. She stated that she was given a security pass. She said she was part of the team and present in several meetings during the UNGA session. Junejo stated that she sat with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar behind the Prime Minister at a climate conference. Junejo questioned Khawaja Asif’s statements. She stated that the Prime Minister should address the matter, and blamed Asif and the Foreign Office for embarrassing Pakistan internationally.
