Shehbaz advances Pakistan’s diplomatic agenda at UNGA

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said his engagements on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly helped advance Pakistan’s diplomatic, security and economic priorities.

Speaking after his visit to New York, the prime minister highlighted meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and discussions with Saudi and Turkish officials on regional security and the implementation of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

Shehbaz said discussions with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye focused on strengthening coordination under the trilateral security framework signed by the three countries in August.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held meetings with his Saudi and Turkish counterparts to review progress on the agreement’s institutional arrangements. The discussions covered the proposed secretariat, committees and working groups, along with regional and international security issues.

The talks took place amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel and attacks affecting countries in the Gulf.

The prime minister also met Iranian President Pezeshkian to discuss regional developments and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately held discussions with Pakistani officials.

According to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the meeting with the Iranian president was open and candid. He said Pezeshkian agreed to continue discussions on regional issues.

Pakistan conveyed its position on the ongoing conflict and expressed concern over attacks in the region. Islamabad also called for restraint and opposed actions that could further widen the confrontation.

The discussions also included attacks linked to the Houthi movement. Pakistani officials urged Iran to use its influence to encourage a reduction in such attacks.

Security cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye was another key issue during the visit. Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met the military leadership of both countries as efforts continued to put the Makkah agreement into operation.

UNGA speech and IMF discussions

Shehbaz also spoke about his address to the UN General Assembly, saying it focused on major regional and international issues, including Palestine, Gaza, Kashmir and security tensions in the Middle East.

The prime minister also met the International Monetary Fund’s managing director and discussed the impact of rising petroleum prices on Pakistan’s economy.

According to Shehbaz, the IMF had no objection in principle to targeted fuel assistance for lower-income citizens. He said any relief would be aimed specifically at vulnerable groups rather than the entire population.

The discussions came as an IMF team continued talks in Pakistan ahead of the next review under the country’s economic programme.

The prime minister also stressed the importance of economic stability, employment opportunities for young people and a stable political environment.

Domestic political situation

The diplomatic engagements took place alongside political tensions at home, including planned protests over the petroleum levy.

Shehbaz also spoke with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and requested that the party postpone its planned march towards Islamabad. Government representatives, including Rana Sanaullah and Ahsan Iqbal, also held discussions with the JI leadership.

The government offered to discuss concerns surrounding the petroleum levy as part of efforts to address the issue through dialogue.