Shehbaz holds key meetings with Iran, Syria, IMF officials in New York

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of meetings with Iranian and Syrian presidents, as well as the IMF chief, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The prime minister met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with the two leaders discussing Pakistan-Iran relations and the regional situation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also attended the meeting, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi accompany Shehbaz.

Shehbaz also met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to its historic and fraternal ties with Syria.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence, while expressing good wishes for the Syrian people’s efforts towards national stabilisation, peace and economic recovery.

The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced high-level exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, education and information technology. Shehbaz also reaffirms Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments, with Shehbaz reiterating Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a just and lasting resolution of the Palestine issue in line with relevant UN resolutions and international law.

Meanwhile, the prime minister met IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and appreciates the Fund’s continued support for Pakistan’s economy.

Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the IMF-supported reform programme and maintaining the momentum of economic reforms.

He said Pakistan is transitioning from macroeconomic stabilisation towards economic recovery despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures, citing improved fiscal discipline, stronger external buffers and growing investor confidence.

The two sides discussed Pakistan’s forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation to advance reforms, strengthen economic resilience and support sustainable growth.

Georgieva appreciated Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme and the government’s efforts towards economic stabilisation, saying the measures are yielding tangible results.

Earlier, Shehbaz also met delegations of Pakistani community members and young Pakistanis living in the United States.

The youth delegation included healthcare professionals, IT and artificial intelligence experts, social entrepreneurs, youth NGO heads and other professionals.

The prime minister invited Pakistani youth to offer suggestions for improvement in different sectors and play their role in Pakistan’s development, saying talented Pakistani youth living abroad are a source of pride for the nation.

He said the government is taking measures to empower youth through information technology, artificial intelligence and modern skills.

The prime minister also highlighted initiatives including laptops and scholarships for talented youth and Daanish Schools for underprivileged students, saying a world-class Daanish University is also being established.

The Pakistani youth representatives appreciated the government’s initiatives for youth development, particularly in IT and ease of doing business.