Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold his first direct meeting with US President Donald Trump during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This meeting, according to the Foreign Office of Pakistan, will include a select group of Muslim leaders. The primary focus will be on exchanging perspectives on regional and international peace and security. Leading Pakistan’s delegation, Shehbaz, accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials, will participate in the high-level segment of the UNGA, commencing September 22. During his address at the UNGA, the Prime Minister plans to urge the global community to address instances of prolonged occupation and the denial of self-determination, particularly in Palestine and India-occupied Kashmir. He will also draw attention to the critical situation in Gaza and advocate for decisive measures to alleviate the plight of the Palestinian people. The Foreign Office indicated that the Prime Minister will also present Pakistan’s viewpoints on regional security challenges and global concerns, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development. Shehbaz’s engagements in New York include attendance at high-level events such as UN Security Council meetings, a high-level session of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and a special event on Climate Action. He is also expected to engage with senior UN officials and world leaders. The Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, stating that the Prime Minister’s participation underscores the country’s strong dedication to the UN and its role in fostering peace and development. This meeting marks Shehbaz Sharif’s inaugural direct interaction with Trump since assuming office. The meeting is taking place against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Recent events, such as Israeli strikes in Doha, have drawn condemnation from Arab states and prompted a joint session of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Following the incident, Trump met with the Qatari Prime Minister. Shehbaz and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently finalized a strategic mutual defense agreement.
