DPM Dar to arrive in New York ahead of Shehbaz’s UNGA visit

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to arrive in New York on Sunday for preliminary diplomatic consultations ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to arrive on Monday and address the General Assembly on September 25. Dar’s early arrival is aimed at preparing Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements and coordinating the country’s priorities during the high-level UNGA week.

The Pakistani delegation has reportedly been reduced as part of the government’s austerity measures. Dar and senior foreign-policy adviser Tariq Fatemi are expected to form the core of the prime minister’s delegation.

Several federal ministers who were initially expected to accompany the premier will not travel to New York, according to officials familiar with the arrangements. Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change and Environment Minister Musadik Malik and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal are among those excluded from the delegation.

Dar’s preparatory meetings are expected to focus on Pakistan’s priorities at the General Assembly and developments in the Middle East. The regional security situation has become a major concern at the United Nations amid continuing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the conflict in Yemen and growing instability across the Gulf.

The General Assembly’s high-level debate will begin on September 22 and continue through September 26, before resuming on September 28. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the session and is expected to discuss his administration’s approach to international crises, Iran’s nuclear programme and its proposed Gaza peace initiative.

The deteriorating situation in Yemen and attacks affecting Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping are also expected to feature prominently in diplomatic discussions. The UN Security Council has recently condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and threats to commercial vessels operating through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Pakistan has previously condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping and reaffirmed its support for Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity. Islamabad has also called for restraint and diplomatic efforts to resolve regional disputes.

The Middle East situation presents a delicate diplomatic challenge for Pakistan, given its close ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries and its longstanding relationship and shared border with Iran.

During the UNGA session, Pakistan is expected to highlight diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Islamabad is also likely to raise the Palestinian issue and Kashmir dispute.