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 25.
Lebanon PM stresses need to avert ‘vacuum’ if UN force leaves
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam insisted at the UN Friday on the need to "avert the vacuum" that would be caused by withdrawing the peacekeeping mission deployed in the country's south without a viable replacement.
"What we wish to stress here and today is the need to avert the vacuum that UNIFIL's withdrawal could create, were it to take place without agreement on a new international force to replace it," Salam said in a speech to the UN General Assembly.
UNIFIL currently has 7,500 peacekeepers from around 50 countries.
They are deployed in southern Lebanon along the Blue Line, which stretches for 120 kilometers (75 miles), marking a de facto border between Lebanon and Israel.
Salam also stressed the need for Israel to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory and for Beirut to move forward in extending state authority over its entire territory, ensuring "weapons (are) held by the state alone."
PM Sharif addresses UNGA 81
Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented Pakistan as a proponent of dialogue and diplomacy, while laying out Islamabad’s positions on the Iran conflict, Saudi Arabia, Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, Palestine, terrorism, climate change and UN reform.
PM Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s role in efforts to de-escalate the Iran-US conflict, saying Islamabad had brought Washington and Tehran “under one roof in Islamabad.” He credited Pakistan Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for helping create space for diplomacy.
“Yet, amid the roar of missiles, drones, and guns, the voice for diplomacy must echo even louder and stronger,” Sharif told the General Assembly.
He warned that the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, which he described as “arteries of the global economy,” must remain open and should not become “choke points of confrontation.”
PM Sharif also condemned attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and said any threat to the safety and sanctity of the Harmain Sharifain was “a red line that must never be crossed.”
On South Asia, PM Sharif called for a “just and fair solution” to the Kashmir dispute and reiterated Pakistan’s support for what he described as the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
He also issued a strong warning over the Indus Waters Treaty, saying India’s decision to hold the treaty in abeyance had no legal basis. “Water must never be weaponized; rivers should nourish nations, not divide them,” he said.
“Therefore, any attempt to stop, impede, or divert Pakistan's share of the waters will be treated as an act of war. India must make no mistake about it,” Sharif added.
On Palestine, Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for an independent, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He condemned violence and displacement affecting Palestinians and called for an end to Israeli aggression in Lebanon and Syria.
Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s counterterrorism sacrifices, saying the country had lost almost 100,000 lives and suffered more than $150 billion in economic losses. He called on Afghan authorities to take “verifiable, decisive action” to prevent their territory from being used against Pakistan.
Turning to climate change, Sharif noted that Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global emissions while repeatedly facing severe climate impacts. He called on developed countries to honor climate finance commitments and provide greater support for adaptation and resilience.
He also called for reform of the UN Security Council, saying it should become more representative, democratic and accountable.
“Reform for all, privilege for none,” PM Sharif said.
Concluding his address, Sharif framed Pakistan’s position around peaceful engagement.
“War is a choice, but peace is also a far better choice,” he said. “Pakistan has made its choice: we have chosen dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over coercion, and peace over war.”
For our complete story on prime minister's address in UNGA, read our story here.
Islamabad, Dhaka to deepen bilateral ties
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation as the two leaders met on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The two prime ministers reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Sharif congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly and expressed Pakistan’s support for its efforts to advance the objectives of the United Nations.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen mutually beneficial relations with Bangladesh.
Tarique Rahman reciprocated the sentiment, expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and his government’s desire to further enhance relations with Pakistan.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments and emphasized the importance of continued coordination at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly Dr. Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of UNGA 81.
Dar congratulated Rahman on assuming the presidency and assured him of Pakistan’s support and constructive engagement, according to the Foreign Office.
Both sides reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.
Dar expressed confidence in Rahman’s leadership and assured Pakistan’s continued engagement in advancing the work of the General Assembly.
Pakistan and Antigua and Barbuda push for stronger Commonwealth cooperation
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Antigua and Barbuda's Foreign Affairs Minister Chet Greene on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a post on X, the foreign office stated that both leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two countries. They agreed to improve ties and collaborate in areas including education and diplomatic training.
They also discussed cooperation at multilateral forums, particularly within the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
The two leaders promised to to meet again at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
Pakistan pushes for concrete projects, faster climate action at UN forum
Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told international climate negotiators that wealthy nations must move beyond pledges and help developing countries build the infrastructure needed to execute climate projects, according to the Ministry of Finance on Friday.
Speaking at the Climate Implementation Bridge forum during the United Nations General Assembly, Aurangzeb said three critical elements determine success in fighting climate change: a functioning policy framework, available financing, and the administrative systems to carry out projects at the local level.
The minister stated that Pakistan has strengthened its climate policy structure and tapped multiple funding sources including domestic budgets, multilateral development banks, stock markets, and climate-specific funds. “Yet fragmented institutions” and a “shortage of projects designed to attract investment” continue to prevent action on the ground, he added.
The finance minister cited Pakistan's experience after devastating 2022 floods as evidence of the implementation problem. Nations pledged substantial financial assistance following the disaster, but much of the money went unspent because Pakistan lacked fully developed projects ready for financing, Aurangzeb said, according to the Ministry of Finance.
The finance minister urged international partners to shift the initiative from dialogue toward tangible outcomes. He called for practical decisions that produce measurable benefits for communities on the ground.
Pakistan's engagement in the climate bridge initiative demonstrates the nation's commitment to translating environmental pledges into programs that benefit communities facing climate threats, as reported by the ministry.
Singapore backs Pakistan’s push for regional peace
Pakistan and Singapore are deepening bilateral ties through sustained high-level engagement, with Singapore's foreign minister praising Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to address regional instability.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two nations reviewed bilateral relations and discussed cooperation across sectors of mutual interest. Both committed to regular exchanges at high levels to strengthen ties and advance mutually beneficial projects.
The ministers also examined regional and international developments.
Dr Balakrishnan commended Pakistan's push toward dialogue and diplomacy in managing regional challenges, according to Pakistan's foreign office. The two officials agreed to maintain close contact moving forward.
Pakistan, Aga Khan Development Network agree to expand cooperation in health, education
Pakistan and the Aga Khan Development Network are expanding their partnership on poverty reduction, healthcare and education.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on Friday at the UN General Assembly in New York, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
PM Sharif praised the Ismaili community's contributions to Pakistan's economic development and the network's work in financial inclusion, tourism and cultural preservation. He called for broadening collaboration in these fields to advance sustainable development across the country.
He also invited Prince Rahim to visit Pakistan regularly.
Meanwhile, Prince Rahim said the network remains committed to strengthening its long partnership with Pakistan and expanding joint initiatives in healthcare, education, climate resilience and economic development.
He commended the prime minister's efforts to advance regional peace and stability amid widespread conflict.
Pakistan PM discusses investment opportunities with US-Pakistan Business Council
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with delegations from the US-Pakistan Business Council and the Business Council of International Understanding on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, according to Prime Minister’s Office.
In an official statement, the PMO stated that the delegations represented major US corporations including Boeing, Abbott, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Mastercard and Nvidia.
PM Sharif told the business leaders that his government prioritized creating a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment.
The prime minister outlined investment opportunities in Pakistan's manufacturing, agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, and mining sectors.
The delegates said they planned to scale up existing investments and explore new partnerships in Pakistan, according to statements from the delegations' leaders.
The councils said they would continue working with Pakistan's government and private sector to expand economic cooperation.
Bahrain foreign minister praises Pakistan’s regional peace efforts
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Friday during the UN General Assembly in New York, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The two officials discussed bilateral relations and preparations for the next session of their joint ministerial commission.
They also reviewed regional and international developments, according to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office.
Al Zayani praised Pakistan's role in promoting regional peace and stability. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation through bilateral and multilateral channels.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye review institutional setup for Makkah defense pact
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have reviewed progress on establishing the institutional framework under their Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
APP reported that the review came during a meeting Friday between Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
The three ministers discussed progress toward setting up institutional structures under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, which was signed on August 7.
They also exchanged views on regional and international security issues.
Pakistan has appointed retired Lt General Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary-general under the agreement. He will lead the alliance's General Secretariat, which is being established in Riyadh.
Pakistan's economy stable and moving toward growth, PM tells US business leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan's economy is now stable and moving toward growth as he met with US business leaders in New York on Friday, according to Prime Minister’s Office.
PM Sharif met delegations from the Business Council for International Understanding and the US-Pakistan Business Council, according to his office. This included leaders from information technology, artificial intelligence, finance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and other sectors, according to his office.
The prime minister said Pakistan-US relations have improved over the past year and that Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in establishing regional peace. He stated that long-term peace was crucial for business and investment.
PM Sharif said his government was implementing large-scale structural and policy reforms, digitizing the economy and advancing e-governance.
He outlined Pakistan's agriculture, mining and minerals industries. He also highlighted the country’s ports and shipping sectors as holding immense potential for investment.
The prime minister noted that per-acre yield can be increased and costs reduced through AI and modern technology.
He said the youth are Pakistan's valuable asset, that IT and AI initiatives are a top priority. He stated that the country’s flaghship carrier Pakistan International Airlines has been privatized with new Pakistani owners expected to bring improvements. Meanwhile, the government was moving toward privatizing power distribution companies to facilitate business and investment.
Pakistan warns of rising terrorism threat from Afghanistan at UN
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday to discuss terrorism emanating from Afghan territory and regional peace efforts, according to the Prime Minister's Office.
PM Sharif raised the "drastic increase in terrorism" stemming from Afghanistan during the wide-ranging discussion with Guterres, per the PMO statement.
The prime minister also highlighted a rising trend of Islamophobia in the region. He called for international action to combat it.
PM Sharif stated that dialogue and diplomacy were needed to resolve regional tensions. He said Pakistan supported Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The two leaders also discussed developments in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Guterres praised Pakistan's leadership at the UN and its contributions to international peace and security. He said he particularly valued Pakistan's mediation efforts in resolving regional conflicts, per the Prime Minister's Office.
The UN secretary-general also commended Pakistan's counterterrorism role and sacrifices, according to the statement.
For earlier UNGA-related developments, click here.