DPM Dar to arrive ahead of PM Shehbaz’s UNGA visit, hold preliminary consultations

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is set to arrive in New York on Sunday, a day before Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif leads the country's delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGAG). Dar's early visit aims to facilitate preliminary consultations before the week-long diplomatic activity. The UNGA is scheduled to take place amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with a focus on the US-Israel-Iran war, a growing crisis in Yemen, and rising tensions in the region.

The Pakistani delegation will consist of Dar and Senior Foreign Policy Advisor Tariq Fatemi, reflecting the government's austerity measures which streamlined the delegation. Notable figures like Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik, and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal have been excluded from the trip. Dar's meetings in New York are expected to center on Pakistan's priorities for the UNGA high-level week and the evolving regional situation.

The Middle East crisis has been a topic of significant discussions at the UN headquarters, with the Security Council holding multiple meetings on the deteriorating situation in Yemen and the wider region. The General Assembly's high-level debate, beginning on Tuesday with US President Donald Trump's address, is expected to delve into Trump's administration's approach to international crises and diplomatic achievements. Key topics include Iran's nuclear program, the Gaza peace plan, and the global response to the conflict.

As the UNGA commences amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and Gulf, Pakistani officials are expected to discuss Pakistan's stance on regional issues, including Pakistan's condemnation of Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping, and reaffirming support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pakistan's diplomatic approach will likely emphasize diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution, while addressing the Palestinian issue and Kashmir dispute. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to focus on sustainable development, climate action, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, and UN reform, engaging in bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN Secretary-General.