Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York on September 22, 2025, stepping onto the world stage at a pivotal moment for both Pakistan and the broader international community. As the leader of Pakistan’s delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Shehbaz is set to navigate a packed agenda of high-stakes meetings, urgent global issues, and delicate diplomacy. For the next several days, New York will be the epicenter of global politics, with Shehbaz and his senior ministers—among them Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar—representing Pakistan’s interests at the highest level.
According to The Express Tribune, Shehbaz’s visit is not just symbolic; it’s a showcase of Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and a platform to spotlight the nation’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping, climate resilience, and sustainable development. The Foreign Office emphasized that the prime minister’s participation in the “biggest annual gathering of world leaders” will provide a unique opportunity to highlight Pakistan’s perspectives and priorities on the global stage.
One of the most anticipated events during the week is the meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and US President Donald Trump, scheduled for September 23 on the sidelines of the UNGA. This gathering will also include leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Egypt. The Foreign Office stated that the leaders will “exchange views on issues pertaining to regional and international peace and security.” Diplomatic sources cited by The Express Tribune revealed that a separate bilateral meeting between Shehbaz and Trump is under consideration—potentially marking their first direct interaction since Trump’s return to the White House earlier in 2025.
Shehbaz’s schedule is nothing short of exhaustive. He will address the UNGA on September 26, with a speech expected to focus on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the occupation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), and the broader Palestinian situation. As reported by The Nation, “In his address to the General Assembly, the Prime Minister will urge the international community to resolve the situations of prolonged occupation and denial of the right to self-determination from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine.” He will also call for decisive action to end the suffering of Palestinians amid what he described as a “grave crisis in Gaza.”
Beyond these pressing regional concerns, Shehbaz will highlight Pakistan’s stance on a range of global issues, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development. As the Foreign Office outlined, he is expected to “underline Pakistan’s role as an elected member of the Security Council and reaffirm Islamabad’s resolve to work with all UN member states to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflicts, and promote peace and prosperity.”
The prime minister’s itinerary is packed with high-level engagements. He will attend meetings of the UN Security Council, participate in the Global Development Initiative, and join a special climate action summit. Shehbaz is also expected to take part in a conference on the two-state solution to the Palestine issue and attend a UNSC briefing on Israeli aggression in Palestine. According to The Express Tribune, he will also meet an array of world leaders, including Qatar’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. Later in the week, he is scheduled to meet philanthropist Bill Gates, attend a climate change session chaired by the UN Secretary-General, and participate in a debate on Artificial Intelligence hosted by the South Korean President.
On the diplomatic front, Shehbaz’s agenda includes receptions hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President Trump for visiting heads of state. There are also potential meetings on the horizon with the leaders of China, Italy, Canada, Iran, Qatar, the European Union, the World Bank, and the managing director of the IMF—though these have not yet been officially scheduled. Officials believe that these interactions will help strengthen Pakistan’s bilateral and multilateral relationships, furthering its diplomatic and economic interests.
In a speech broadcast on national television before his departure, Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Pakistani diaspora in London, reflecting on both the country’s recent challenges and its aspirations. He praised overseas Pakistanis for their contributions, noting that remittances had reached $38.5 billion in the previous year—a figure he called vital for the nation’s economic stability. “Overseas Pakistanis are the country’s diplomats and serve as a bridge between Pakistan and the country of their residence,” Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar added, as reported by The Nation.
Shehbaz also referenced the recent May 10 military victory against India, highlighting the unity and professionalism of the armed forces and the importance of national solidarity. He recounted, “It was a great triumph that taught a lesson to the enemy and surely, will remember it forever.” The prime minister detailed the events surrounding the conflict, including the downing of six enemy fighter jets, and emphasized that the victory was achieved through “valour, professionalism and acumen of the armed forces and trust in Allah Almighty.”
Despite the military success, Shehbaz stressed Pakistan’s desire for peace with India, stating, “We want to discuss Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism issues, not because of any weakness but on the basis of equal terms.” He reiterated that resolving the Kashmir issue remains the “basic key to the regional peace,” and asserted, “Anyone who is thinking otherwise is akin to living in a fool’s paradise.”
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza also weighed heavily on Shehbaz’s mind. Condemning the reported 64,000 deaths and the dire situation facing Palestinian civilians, he urged both the Islamic world and the international community to take urgent action. “The world had not witnessed these heart-moving scenes,” he lamented, calling for a united response to alleviate the suffering.
Looking ahead, Shehbaz expressed optimism about Pakistan’s future, citing upward trends in economic indicators and strengthening diplomatic ties. He identified the country’s large youth population—comprising 60 percent of the total population—as both a challenge and an opportunity, stating that with proper IT training and education, “they would take the country forward.” The prime minister concluded, “Unity and solidarity should be the first priority,” underscoring his belief that Pakistan’s best days lie ahead if the nation continues to work together with determination and sincerity.
As the week at the United Nations unfolds, all eyes will be on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his ability to advocate for Pakistan’s interests, forge new partnerships, and contribute to solutions for some of the world’s most intractable challenges.