World leaders are set to converge in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where the escalating crises in Gaza and Qatar are redefining global diplomatic priorities.
For Pakistan, this shifting landscape holds particular importance, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prepares to participate in the high-level conference on the “Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” alongside his address to the General Assembly. Islamabad is expected to intensify consultations with Arab and Muslim leaders during the summit.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the UNGA as meeting in “turbulent — even uncharted — waters,” with nearly 150 heads of state and government attending. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour underscored that Palestine would dominate deliberations.
The US once again vetoed a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of restrictions on aid, despite 14 members supporting it. Washington has now used its veto six times to shield Israel. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have introduced a resolution urging recognition of a Palestinian state, though it faces little chance of passing in a Republican-controlled Senate.
Pakistan has amplified its regional role by strongly condemning the Israeli airstrike on Qatar and signing a mutual defence accord with Saudi Arabia, moves that enhance its standing in the Muslim world.
However, the crises in Gaza and Qatar are disrupting bilateral diplomacy. A proposed meeting between President Donald Trump and PM Shehbaz may be rescheduled, with Trump prioritizing talks with Israeli and Arab leaders.
Islamabad is pushing for a full-fledged White House meeting to address bilateral and regional concerns, though the interaction may be limited to UNGA sidelines.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz is in London ahead of his US trip, holding meetings with British officials and addressing the Pakistani diaspora. He earlier stopped in Geneva to meet his elder brother Nawaz Sharif, who is receiving medical treatment there.
The prime minister will be joined in New York by senior cabinet members and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, underscoring Pakistan’s high-level engagement in the critical UNGA session.
