The upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will serve as the venue for the first direct meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US President Donald Trump. This meeting is set to include a select group of Muslim leaders and is designed to address issues related to regional and international peace and security, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Shehbaz will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the high-level segment of the UNGA, starting September 22, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior officials. During his address, the Prime Minister will call for the resolution of conflicts characterized by prolonged occupation and the denial of self-determination rights, with specific focus on Palestine and India-occupied Kashmir. He will also bring attention to the crisis in Gaza, seeking decisive international action to end the suffering of the Palestinian people. Additionally, the Prime Minister will outline Pakistan’s stance on regional security challenges and global issues, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development. Shehbaz’s agenda in New York includes high-level events such as UN Security Council meetings, a session of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and a special event on Climate Action. He will also meet with UN officials and world leaders. The Foreign Office highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, emphasizing that the Prime Minister’s participation reflects the country’s strong commitment to the UN and its long-standing contribution towards global peace and development. This meeting marks Shehbaz Sharif’s first direct engagement with Trump since assuming office. The meeting is taking place amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following recent events such as the Israeli strikes in Doha. These incidents led to condemnation from Arab states and prompted a joint session. Following these events, Trump met with the Qatari Prime Minister and expressed initial concern. However, the US later clarified its commitment to maintaining the US-Israeli relationship. Furthermore, Shehbaz and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have recently solidified a strategic mutual defense agreement.
