Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday departed for the United Kingdom (UK) on a two-day visit before proceeding to the United States (US) as part of his scheduled international engagements.
According to sources, the prime minister will stay in London for two days and is likely to attend meetings and other official activities during his visit. However, his detailed programme in the British capital has not been announced so far.
After completing his London engagements, PM Shehbaz will travel to the US, where he is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York while he is expected to deliver his address to the gathering on September 25.
Earlier today, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan briefed the media about the prime minister’s visit during his weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
He said that PM Shehbaz would lead Pakistan’s delegation at the high-level segment of the 81st session of the UNGA in New York next week.
The FO spokesperson said that the prime minister would be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, other federal ministers and senior government officials.
Khan said that PM Shehbaz, in his UNGA speech, will present Pakistan’s position on key regional and international developments. The prime minister will stress the significance of dialogue, diplomatic efforts, restraint and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
The FO spokesperson added that the premier will also highlight Pakistan’s priorities regarding sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, Islamophobia, international economic difficulties and reforms at the UN.
He said that the premier will outline Pakistan's priorities on sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reforms and issues confronting the global south, while drawing attention to the situations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as well as Palestine.
During his visit, PM Shehbaz will also attend several high-level events and conduct bilateral meetings with foreign leaders and the UN Secretary-General. These engagements will underline Pakistan’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, respect for the UN Charter, regional peace and greater international collaboration.