Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have stepped up Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly session.
Shehbaz Sharif held meetings with the leaders of Kenya and Kuwait, along with informal discussions with the leaders of Austria and Somalia. Dar also raised Pakistan’s security concerns about Afghanistan and continued diplomatic efforts on regional conflicts.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What Happened | Pakistan intensified diplomatic engagement during UNGA 2026. |
| Where | New York, United States |
| When | September 2026 |
| Key Leaders | Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar |
| Key Meetings | Leaders from Kenya, Kuwait, Austria and Somalia |
| Main Issues | Trade, investment, regional security, Afghanistan and international diplomacy |
| Current Status | Pakistan's diplomatic engagements continued during the UN General Assembly session. |
| Why It Matters | The meetings focused on economic cooperation, regional security and diplomatic efforts. |
Shehbaz Sharif Meets Kenyan President William Ruto
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Kenyan President William Ruto on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The two leaders reviewed Pakistan Kenya relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation. Their talks covered politics, trade, investment, defence, education and people to people contacts.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted several sectors with potential for greater trade and investment. These included pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments and agriculture.
The prime minister also invited Kenyan investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, including projects in Special Economic Zones. He called for stronger links between the two countries’ business communities.
Pakistan also wants deeper engagement with the East African Community. Both sides agreed to make greater use of existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Ministerial Commission.
Shehbaz Sharif also met Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah.
The meeting focused on strengthening longstanding Pakistan Kuwait relations. The two sides discussed opportunities in trade, investment, energy and human resource development.
They also reviewed regional and international developments. Both leaders stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation for regional peace and stability.
Informal Meetings With Austria and Somalia
During the opening session of the UN General Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif also held informal meetings with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The discussions covered bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. Pakistan’s government said the meetings formed part of the prime minister’s wider diplomatic engagement in New York.
Ishaq Dar Raises Afghanistan Security Concerns
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also remained active in diplomatic meetings during UNGA week.
At the OIC Contact Group meeting on Afghanistan, Dar raised Pakistan’s concerns about terrorism and security along the country’s western border.
He called for concrete and verifiable measures to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks against neighbouring countries. Pakistan has repeatedly raised this issue in its diplomatic engagement on Afghanistan.
Pakistan Pushes for Dialogue on Regional Conflicts
Pakistan’s UNGA diplomacy also comes as regional tensions remain a major international concern.
Islamabad has been involved in diplomatic efforts linked to the conflict between the United States and Iran. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Secretary General António Guterres appreciated the efforts of Pakistani leadership and described Pakistan’s role as critical alongside the involvement of other countries.
Pakistan has said its diplomatic efforts aim to encourage dialogue, reduce tensions and support peaceful solutions.
Shehbaz Sharif to Address the UN General Assembly
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2026.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Information, his speech will cover regional and global security, diplomacy, sustainable development, climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia and economic challenges.
The address will follow several bilateral and multilateral meetings during the high level week.
Pakistan Expands UNGA Diplomacy
Pakistan has used the 81st UN General Assembly session to expand bilateral contacts and raise key regional issues.
Shehbaz Sharif’s meetings have focused on trade, investment and political cooperation, while Ishaq Dar has highlighted Afghanistan’s security situation and Pakistan’s wider diplomatic priorities. The prime minister’s UN address on September 25 will provide another opportunity for Islamabad to present its position on major international issues.
