PM Shehbaz to Meet Donald Trump During UNGA Session: FO

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Monday confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet former US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The meeting, scheduled for September 25, is being described as one of the most significant diplomatic engagements for Pakistan during this year’s UNGA. Some media outlets have reported that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir may also accompany the prime minister, though the Foreign Office has not confirmed this. If true, his presence would underscore the importance Islamabad attaches to the talks.

Agenda on the Table

While the Foreign Office has not released a detailed agenda, officials and analysts believe several pressing issues are likely to come up during the discussions. These include Pakistan’s flood crisis, for which Islamabad is seeking enhanced international aid and support.

Regional security concerns are also expected to be discussed, particularly India–Pakistan tensions and the fallout from recent Middle East developments, including the Israel–Qatar conflict. In addition, economic matters such as trade and investment opportunities are expected to be part of the dialogue, as Pakistan looks to strengthen cooperation with Washington.

Diplomatic Significance

The Shehbaz–Trump meeting will mark an important moment in Pakistan’s foreign policy outreach. Observers note that this is the first high-profile interaction between the Pakistani premier and the former US president on the international stage, and it may signal an attempt to reset Pakistan–US ties at a time when Islamabad is navigating multiple domestic and international challenges.

Diplomatic sources also point out that the initiative has the quiet backing of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two of Pakistan’s key allies in the region. Their support, analysts say, could help Islamabad strengthen its case for international assistance and improved relations with Washington.

Reactions and Next Steps

Political commentators in Pakistan have called the planned meeting a “timely development,” especially as the country struggles with economic pressures and recovery efforts in flood-hit areas. At the same time, international observers are closely watching the outcome, with particular interest from India, which remains cautious about any shift in Pakistan–US relations.

The Foreign Office has not indicated whether a joint statement will be issued following the talks. However, the meeting is expected to set the tone for Pakistan’s broader engagement with the United States and other global powers during the UNGA session.

As world leaders gather in New York, all eyes will be on the Shehbaz–Trump meeting a diplomatic exchange that could shape Islamabad’s foreign policy direction in the months ahead.