- Leaders at Arab-Islamic summit demand urgent ceasefire and humanitarian access in Gaza
- Summit co-hosted by US and Qatar pushes plan for Gaza reconstruction with global support
- Muslim leaders stress rejection of forced displacement, call for protecting Jerusalem’s holy sites
- Joint statement highlights need for regional stability, lasting peace, and Palestinian reforms
NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday exchanged pleasantries with US President Donald Trump during the Arab-Islamic Summit in New York, where leaders from the United States, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a comprehensive plan for its reconstruction.
The brief interaction between PM Shehbaz and President Trump was marked by a warm handshake and candid conversation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present. Officials described the exchange as cordial and reflective of Pakistan’s efforts to maintain constructive engagement with Washington.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attends meeting of the Arab Islamic leaders hosted by The President of the United States Donald Trump and Emir of Qatar H.E Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in New York. 23 September 2025.#PMShehbazAtUNGA pic.twitter.com/pNFXp49C6V
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 24, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz attended the Arab-Islamic Summit hosted by President Trump and the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. On the sidelines, he also held separate meetings with Emir Sheikh Tamim, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, where leaders discussed regional issues and reaffirmed their commitment to joint cooperation.
The summit, convened on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, was co-hosted by Trump and Sheikh Tamim. It brought together King Abdullah II, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Kamal Madbouly, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, among others.
امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی عرب اسلامی سربراہی اجلاس کے اختتام پر وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے ملاقات اور غیر رسمی گفتگو#PMShehbazAtUNGA pic.twitter.com/tPMRwJBLkL
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 24, 2025
In a joint statement, leaders expressed deep alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, terming the situation “unbearable” due to the rising human toll and its broader implications for regional stability and the Muslim world.
They unanimously rejected forced displacement of Palestinians and called for the safe return of those who had fled. The summit underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire that would allow the release of hostages and the delivery of adequate humanitarian aid as an initial step toward peace.
Leaders also voiced support for Palestinian Authority reform efforts, stability in the West Bank, and protection of Jerusalem’s holy sites. They stressed the importance of a detailed stabilization and reconstruction plan for Gaza, backed by Arab and OIC frameworks and international partners.
Acknowledging Trump’s role in convening the meeting, Arab and OIC leaders thanked him for his initiative and expressed readiness to cooperate with Washington in pursuit of “a just and lasting peace.” Participants agreed to maintain momentum, framing the summit as the beginning of a sustained process toward peace and regional cooperation.
President Trump was accompanied by senior members of his team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury, and Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
