- Premier to be among ‘select Muslim leaders’ huddle with US President after Israeli strike in Doha
- FO says premier to highlight Kashmir, Gaza crises, push climate change, Islamophobia, and development agenda in UNGA address
- ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet United States President Donald Trump this week during a special session of “select” Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Foreign Office (FO) announced on Sunday.
According to the FO, the engagement will mark the premier’s first direct interaction with President Trump since the latter assumed office in January. The two are expected to exchange views on issues concerning regional and global peace and security.
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Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Prime Minister to New York to Attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly 22-26 September, 2025 https://t.co/p487uUBro7 pic.twitter.com/uuihQCwlQR
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 21, 2025
PM Shehbaz will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the UNGA “high-level segment” beginning September 22. He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, cabinet members and senior officials.
The FO said the prime minister will use his address at the UNGA to call on the international community to address “prolonged occupations and denial of the right to self-determination,” with a particular focus on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
“He will draw attention to the grave crisis in Gaza and call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Palestinian people,” the FO added. The premier will also highlight Pakistan’s position on terrorism, Islamophobia, climate change, regional security, and sustainable development.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz will attend several high-level UN events, including a meeting of the Security Council, a Global Development Initiative (GDI) session, and a special climate action gathering. He is also scheduled to meet world leaders and senior UN officials on the sidelines.
The FO underlined that Pakistan, as a current member of the Security Council, would reaffirm its “resolve to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, foster peace and promote prosperity.”
The upcoming Muslim leaders’ meeting with President Trump comes against the backdrop of heightened Middle East tensions. Earlier this month, an Israeli strike in Doha killed five senior Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, sparking international outrage. Gulf monarchies, including US allies, condemned the attack, while an emergency joint Arab League–OIC session co-sponsored by Pakistan urged states to take “effective measures” against Israeli actions.
President Trump, who later dined with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in New York, initially voiced displeasure at the Israeli attack but Washington has since clarified that it will not alter its relationship with Israel.
Analysts note the development has strained US credibility in the region, with Arab nations seeking new security assurances. In this context, PM Shehbaz’s participation at the UNGA follows his signing of a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh last week, pledging joint defence in case of aggression against either state.
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