PM Shehbaz Sharif is expected to use the 81st UN General Assembly session to advocate dialogue, de-escalation and a diplomatic settlement to the US-Iran conflict.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to use the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in New York to highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran and promoting a peaceful settlement.
Shehbaz is scheduled to address the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Sept. 25, as the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran is expected to remain a major concern for world leaders.
The high-level General Debate will run from Sept. 22 to 26, followed by a final sitting on Sept. 28. The official theme of the session is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
The US-Iran conflict is expected to overshadow parts of the formal agenda, with leaders likely to discuss regional security, developments around the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic options to prevent further escalation.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan is expected to reiterate its position that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations rather than continued military action. Shehbaz is also expected to brief international leaders on Pakistan’s diplomatic contacts with countries working to reduce tensions and support a negotiated settlement.
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept. 22, the opening day of the high-level debate. Brazil is traditionally the first country to speak during the General Debate. Shehbaz is also expected to attend a reception hosted by Trump on the same day.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s possible attendance has also drawn attention. Iran has provisionally been placed fifth on the speakers’ list for Sept. 23, although Tehran has yet to make a final decision on whether Pezeshkian will travel to New York. Iranian officials have raised concerns over what they describe as US restrictions on the Iranian delegation’s travel and participation.
Israel is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept. 24, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expected to represent the country. India plans to send its foreign minister, who is scheduled to speak on Sept. 26.
The Iranian issue is also expected to feature at the UN Security Council during the General Assembly session. The council is due to vote Sept. 17 on extending the mandate of the panel monitoring sanctions on Iran. Its current mandate expires Sept. 26.
For Pakistan, the US-Iran confrontation carries particular importance because of its geographic proximity to Iran and its economic and security interests in the Gulf. Islamabad is therefore expected to emphasize de-escalation, dialogue and a negotiated settlement.
Shehbaz is expected to travel to New York with a high-level delegation and hold bilateral meetings with international leaders on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The 81st UNGA session formally opened Wednesday, with Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman taking over as president of the General Assembly. His priorities include international peace and security, rebuilding confidence in multilateral institutions and advancing UN reforms.
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