PM Shehbaz meets Guterres ahead of UNGA address

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly today, where he is expected to outline Pakistan’s position on regional security, terrorism, climate change and key international issues.

In his address, the prime minister will highlight Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and its contributions to regional and international peace and security. He is also expected to draw attention to the impact of climate change on Pakistan and reiterate Islamabad’s position on the occupied Kashmir dispute.

PM Shehbaz is further expected to speak about regional and global developments, including efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. He will emphasise Pakistan’s support for dialogue and diplomacy as a means of resolving conflicts and restoring peace.

Ahead of his address, the prime minister met UN Secretary-General António Guterres and discussed challenges facing the region and the wider international community.

“As always, it was a pleasure to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose steadfast commitment to the UN Charter and the cause of peace I deeply value,” Shehbaz said in a statement.

He said the two sides held a “wide-ranging exchange” on serious challenges confronting the region and the world, adding that he had reiterated Pakistan’s belief that “dialogue and diplomacy must remain our path to resolving conflicts and restoring peace, particularly in the Middle East.”

The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood. He said he had shared concerns over rising Islamophobia and what he described as the growing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.

PM Shehbaz said he thanked Guterres for recognizing Pakistan’s contributions to international peace and security, its sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and its continuing efforts to promote dialogue and durable peace in the region.

His UNGA address is expected to bring these issues together as Pakistan presents its position on regional conflicts, security concerns, climate-related challenges and broader international developments.