Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan's delegation to the high-level segment of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York next week. This development was announced by Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan during his weekly news briefing in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, the spokesperson confirmed that the Prime Minister will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, other federal ministers, and senior officials. In his upcoming speech at the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister intends to present Pakistan's perspective on regional and global issues. He aims to emphasize the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful dispute resolution. Key topics on his agenda include sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reforms, and issues facing the global south. Additionally, he plans to draw attention to the situations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Palestine.
Sajjad Haider Khan noted that during his visit, the Prime Minister will participate in high-level events and engage in bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN Secretary General. This engagement will underscore Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, regional peace, and international cooperation.
Addressing a question, the spokesperson firmly dismissed India's assertions regarding the Pakistan-China Boundary Agreement of 1963 and the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission as baseless and legally untenable. He emphasized that China is not only a neighboring country but also an all-weather strategic cooperative partner. The spokesperson defended the 1963 agreement as a valid arrangement between Pakistan and China. He also criticized India's claims concerning Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that it is an internationally recognized disputed territory whose final status is to be determined according to United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Sajjad Haider Khan urged India to reconsider its unilateral actions taken on August 5, 2019, and to rescind these decisions, which he described as violative of the UN Security Council resolutions. He called for India to end its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and to implement the UN Security Council resolutions faithfully.
The spokesperson further addressed concerns about the evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly the continued Houthi attacks, which have regional implications. Pakistan remains concerned about the escalation and its effects on regional peace, security, maritime navigation, and global energy supplies. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan's commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy to avoid further escalation.
In response to another question, the spokesperson affirmed Pakistan's commitment to implementing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, both in intent and spirit.