Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, beginning on September 22, 2025. According to the Foreign Office (FO), the premier will be joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with senior ministers and officials. The session comes at a critical moment, as global leaders debate pressing issues including conflicts in Kashmir and Gaza, climate change, and rising geopolitical tensions.
Meeting with Trump and Muslim Leaders The FO confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif will participate in a meeting of “select” Muslim leaders with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UNGA. The discussions will center on international peace, regional stability, and the role of Muslim countries in addressing global crises.
This meeting marks an important development in Pakistan-US relations, especially after Islamabad praised Trump earlier this year for brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. For Sharif, it could also be the first direct interaction with Trump since he assumed office, making the encounter both symbolic and strategic.
Pakistan’s Priorities at the UNGA At the UNGA, Shehbaz will highlight Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to peace and justice. The FO statement revealed that the premier will urge the international community to resolve the prolonged occupation of Kashmir and Palestine. It will Draw attention to the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for decisive global action to end Palestinian suffering. It will convey present Pakistan’s stance on other global concerns, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development. By addressing these issues, Pakistan aims to strengthen its role as a voice for oppressed communities and as a responsible member of the UN Security Council.
High-Level Engagements and Bilateral Meetings Beyond speeches, Shehbaz will engage in a range of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA. These include sessions of the UN Security Council, a Global Development Initiative (GDI) forum, and a Special High-Level Event on Climate Action. He will also hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, world leaders, and senior UN officials to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and cooperation.
The FO stressed that Pakistan will continue to uphold the UN Charter, foster dialogue, and promote global prosperity through multilateralism. Shehbaz’s participation, it added, will showcase Pakistan’s enduring contributions to international peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
Regional Dynamics and Saudi Pact The upcoming meeting with Trump takes place days after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. The pact pledges that any attack on one country will be treated as aggression against both, signaling deepening regional security cooperation. This development adds weight to Shehbaz’s position at the UNGA and underlines Pakistan’s growing role in the Muslim world’s collective security framework.
Middle East Crisis and Global Relevance The backdrop of Shehbaz’s UNGA participation is shaped by worsening tensions in the Middle East. Israel’s recent strike in Doha against Hamas officials, which also killed a Qatari officer, triggered international outrage and strained US credibility among Arab allies. Muslim nations, including Pakistan, have since intensified calls for collective measures to stop Israeli actions in Gaza and beyond.
Against this complex setting, Shehbaz Sharif’s UNGA agenda reflects Pakistan’s dual strategy of defending the rights of Palestinians and Kashmiris while positioning itself as a proactive contributor to peace, development, and multilateral cooperation.
