Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to depart from Lahore this afternoon for the United States, with a brief stopover in London, ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York.
His journey marks a significant diplomatic engagement, as he prepares to address a range of pressing global issues during the UNGA meetings.
After spending one night in London, Prime Minister Sharif is scheduled to fly to New York on the evening of September 23. His participation in this annual gathering of world leaders is a key focus of his trip, where he aims to represent Pakistan’s stance on various international matters and foster collaboration on issues of mutual concern.
Notably, Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch will not be accompanying the Prime Minister to New York. Her absence is attributed to her commitments in relation to preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting.
Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also been excluded from the delegation for this trip due to similar obligations.
Sources suggest that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Information Minister Atta Tarar will join the Prime Minister as part of his delegation. This selection reflects the government’s focus on key economic and communication strategies that may be highlighted during the Prime Minister’s discussions at the UN.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office confirmed the exclusion of both Foreign Secretary Baloch and Deputy Prime Minister Dar, emphasizing that their responsibilities for the SCO meeting take precedence at this time.
Despite these adjustments in the delegation, the spokesperson reassured that the Prime Minister’s agenda for the UNGA session remains firmly in place, ensuring that Pakistan’s voice will be heard on the international stage.
As the UNGA approaches, there is heightened anticipation regarding the issues that Prime Minister Sharif will address.
With global challenges such as climate change, economic stability, and international security at the forefront, his remarks are expected to underscore Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and its readiness to collaborate with other nations to tackle these urgent concerns.
The Prime Minister’s participation in this vital forum not only highlights Pakistan’s active role in global diplomacy but also aims to strengthen bilateral relations with various countries through dialogue and cooperation during his time at the UNGA.