UNGA: Pakistan FM meets with Iranian counterpart on summit sidelines

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is being held at the UN Headquarters in New York. This year, the General Debate theme is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the General Debate, which will be held from Sept 22 to 26 and on Sept 28. Pakistan is represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

These are the related news stories for Sept 24.

Pakistan PM pitches investment opportunities to US business leaders 

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held meetings in New York on Thursday with delegations of business leaders and professionals based in the United States, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

In an official statement, the PMO stated that the delegations “represented sectors including information technology, artificial intelligence, automobiles, energy, and construction.”

The prime minister invited the business leaders to invest in Pakistan. He said they are ambassadors who bring national honor through their international contributions. 

He told the delegations that the government was creating conditions conducive to investment and business expansion within the country.

PM Sharif cited recent tax authority reforms as evidence of the government's commitment to the business community. 

He said that the Federal Board of Revenue -- Pakistan's main government agency responsible for collecting taxes -- has resolved issues that businesses previously faced.

The prime minister also said the government was prioritizing measures to modernize the agricultural sector and promote its growth.

PM meets Pakistani youth leaders on development initiative 

In New York on Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with a delegation of Pakistani youth based in the United States, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. 

In an official statement, the PMO said the delegation comprised professionals and leaders from youth organizations working in healthcare, information technology, artificial intelligence, and social entrepreneurship.

PM Sharif told the delegation that Pakistani youth living abroad represented a source of national pride. He said that young people hold the key to “transforming Pakistan's trajectory.” 

He invited the youth to offer suggestions for improvement across various sectors and to contribute actively to Pakistan's development.

The prime minister outlined government initiatives designed to empower young people domestically. He stated that his administration was providing training programs in information technology, artificial intelligence, and modern skills.

PM Sharif announced plans to establish a “world-class” educational institute to provide equal educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. He called for continued input from diaspora youth on strategies for advancing Pakistan's youth sector.

Pakistan's Finance Minister advances digital transformation

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, continued his high-level engagements in New York on the sidelines of the UNGA meeting, according to a statement on X by the Ministry of Finance. 

The finance minister highlighted digital transformation at a Digital Cooperation Organization ministerial dialogue, saying digital infrastructure, cashless payments and workforce skills were key to moving the economy from stabilization toward sustainable growth. 

In talks with US EXIM Bank Chair John Jovanovich, Aurangzeb sought financing for Boeing aircraft, including 787 Dreamliners, as well as engines and spare parts to return grounded Boeing 777s to service. 

The sides also discussed possible financing for aircraft pre-delivery payments, refinery modernization and continued support for the Reko Diq mining project.

For earlier UNGA-related developments, click here.