The presence of a female official within the Pakistani delegation at the United Nations has triggered significant debate. The woman was seen behind Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, leading to questions about her role. The official is identified as Shama Junejo, a columnist and social media activist. Junejo’s inclusion in the delegation has sparked controversy. She claims she was appointed as an advisor by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The controversy began when images of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s speech at a UN Security Council session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) went viral, with users observing Junejo seated behind him. Further scrutiny of Junejo’s social media posts revealed pro-Israel sentiments, which contradicted Pakistan’s support for Palestine. Users questioned how an individual with these views was included in the delegation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that only the Foreign Office could explain Junejo’s presence. The Foreign Office clarified 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 concern. He denied that Junejo wrote Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech for the 80th UN General Assembly. Junejo stated she was working for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for months. Junejo stated she was included in the UN delegation as an advisor by PM Shehbaz Sharif. Her policy briefs and advice are documented. She claimed to have written the Prime Minister’s UN speech. She stated she was given a security pass. She claimed to have worked with the team and was present at key meetings. Junejo claimed she sat with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar behind the Prime Minister at a climate conference. Junejo questioned Khawaja Asif’s motives. She said the Prime Minister should address the matter and accused Asif and the Foreign Office of causing global embarrassment to Pakistan.
