New York, August 25, 2025: The 80th annual session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to draw global attention as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to address the high-level debate on September 26.
For the first time in years, India will be represented by its prime minister instead of the foreign minister, underscoring the importance New Delhi attaches to this year’s session. According to the UN’s provisional list, Pakistan’s address will follow India’s — giving Islamabad an immediate opportunity to respond to Delhi’s position.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan plans to highlight issues including Kashmir, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and regional peace, while India is expected to exercise its Right of Reply. If required, Pakistan’s diplomat Saima Saleem will present the official rebuttal.
Prime Minister Shehbaz will be joined by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Advisor Tariq Fatemi in New York. Officials describe the gathering as one of the most consequential in recent years, set against the backdrop of the Israel-Iran conflict over Gaza, the Ukraine war, and heightened Pakistan-India tensions.
Diplomatic observers also suggest that the United States may attempt quiet mediation between Islamabad and New Delhi on the sidelines of the UNGA session.
The 80th UNGA opens on September 9, with the general debate scheduled from September 23 to 29. A climate summit will take place on September 24, while September 26 will also feature a high-level meeting to mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear-Weapons.
