Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s forthcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly is poised to amplify Pakistan’s longstanding calls for justice in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
New York, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will deliver Pakistan’s Pakistan PM UNGA address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, urging global action on the crises in Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), alongside broader issues of regional security and climate change, as per an official foreign office statement.
The address, scheduled as part of the high-level segment commencing today, underscores Pakistan’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and its commitment to multilateral diplomacy.
Why it Matters for South Asia
In a region marked by geopolitical tensions and humanitarian challenges, the Pakistan PM UNGA address carries significant weight for South Asia. It highlights cross-border issues like the Kashmir dispute, which affects stability between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India, while drawing parallels to the Palestinian struggle. This platform allows Pakistan to rally international support for self-determination rights, potentially influencing bilateral relations and regional peace efforts amid ongoing conflicts and climate vulnerabilities shared by South Asian nations.
Prime Minister’s Agenda at the UNGA
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York late on Monday, September 22, 2025, after a stopover in London, leading a delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The Pakistan PM UNGA address is expected to emphasise the “prolonged occupation and denial of the right to self-determination” in both Palestine and IIOJK, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) press release.
In the speech, Sharif will call on the international community to resolve these situations urgently, framing them as threats to global peace. The address will also cover Pakistan’s perspectives on terrorism, Islamophobia, sustainable development, and climate change – issues acutely relevant to South Asia’s flood-prone landscapes and security dynamics.
Foreign Minister Dar, speaking on the sidelines, has already signalled Pakistan’s proactive stance. In a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara’a, he according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X stated that the two sides “shared the resolve to further deepen historic Pakistan–Syria friendship through cooperation across diverse domains, including trade, human capital, and development”, while reaffirming solidarity with the Syrian people. This aligns with the broader themes anticipated in the Pakistan PM UNGA address.
The delegation’s itinerary extends beyond the speech. Sharif is set to participate in UN Security Council consultations, a high-level meeting of the Global Development Initiative, and a special event on climate action. Notably, he will join select Islamic leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey, in a multilateral discussion with United States President Donald Trump on regional peace and security.
Spotlight on Gaza and Kashmir in the Pakistan PM UNGA Address
The Pakistan PM UNGA address places particular emphasis on Gaza, where ongoing conflict has drawn widespread condemnation. Sharif is expected to reiterate Pakistan’s demand for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access, echoing the MoFA’s position that the situation exemplifies “prolonged occupation”. This follows Pakistan’s consistent advocacy at the UN, including resolutions on Islamophobia adopted with overwhelming support.
On Kashmir, the address will address the denial of self-determination in IIOJK, a core issue for Islamabad. The MoFA statement notes that Sharif will urge resolution to uphold UN resolutions, amid reports of heightened tensions along the Line of Control. This segment of the Pakistan PM UNGA address aims to galvanise global attention, potentially pressuring India on human rights concerns in the region.
Business Recorder reported that the speech will integrate these with discussions on regional security, underscoring how unresolved disputes fuel instability in South Asia. The Express Tribune highlighted that Sharif’s participation reaffirms Pakistan’s “steadfast commitment to multilateralism and support for the UN Charter”, positioning the country as a voice for the Global South.
Broader Diplomatic Engagements
Beyond the core Pakistan PM UNGA address, Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and UN officials. These include engagements to bolster economic ties and address shared challenges like terrorism, which the MoFA identifies as a persistent threat.
In a related development, Dar addressed the UNGA high-level meeting on the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, reaffirming Pakistan’s progress in gender equality – from electing the first female prime minister in the Muslim world to recent provincial advancements. He called for “scaled-up financing, cooperation, and partnerships” under the Beijing+30 agenda, linking women’s empowerment to sustainable development goals that will feature in the Pakistan PM UNGA address.
The visit also encompasses interactions with the Pakistani diaspora, following Sharif’s recent community address in London.
Background
Pakistan’s engagements at the UNGA have historically served as a pulpit for highlighting Kashmir and Palestinian causes. Last year’s 79th session saw Sharif demand an end to the Israeli offensive in Gaza, a theme likely to recur. As a Security Council member until 2026, Pakistan’s voice carries amplified influence, with the Pakistan PM UNGA address building on prior advocacy, including the adoption of UN resolutions combating Islamophobia.
What’s Next for Pakistan’s UNGA Diplomacy
Following the Pakistan PM UNGA address, Sharif’s delegation will continue sideline diplomacy until September 26, 2025, potentially yielding new commitments on trade and security. Outcomes could shape Pakistan’s bilateral relations and reinforce its multilateral stance, with eyes on follow-up actions at future UN forums.
The Pakistan PM UNGA address thus not only spotlights immediate crises but also charts a course for sustained global engagement on South Asia’s pressing concerns.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 23rd, 2025
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