NEW YORK (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — The United Nations General Assembly will open today at 9 a.m. New York time (6 p.m. Pakistan time). While Muslim countries have announced a boycott of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address, the speech by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has taken on special global significance.
PM Shehbaz Sharif takes the UNGA stage after Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as Muslim nations boycott Netanyahu’s speech – all eyes now on Pakistan’s address and China’s response. pic.twitter.com/wKYWRyDeps
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) September 26, 2025
A day before the session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, the two sides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations, Middle East peace, regional security, counterterrorism and economic cooperation. Prime Minister Sharif described President Trump as a “man of peace,” while President Trump called Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir “great leaders” and praised Pakistan’s leadership. The Prime Minister also invited President Trump to visit Pakistan and offered U.S. companies new investment opportunities in the country.
This year, Muslim countries have collectively decided to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the UN General Assembly, which analysts say sends a clear message over Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the General Assembly has gained unusual importance. He is expected to present Pakistan’s position not only on regional issues but also to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of Palestinian rights and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid.
Analysts view Shehbaz Sharif’s address as a reflection of Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role and the collective stance of the Muslim world at a critical moment on the global stage.
