Daily diary: Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly

Pakistan's stance presented before comity of nations


News Desk September 26, 2018
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressing UNGA. PHOTO: UN

With the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in full swing, The Express Tribune presents a daily diary recording the workings of the Pakistani delegation at the annual September summit in New York.

Qureshi leaves for UNGA session in New York

The UNGA is one of the six main organs of the UN and the only one where all member states are given equal representation: one nation, one vote. During the session, all 193 member states “discuss and work together on a wide array of international issues covered by the UN Charter, such as development, peace and security, international law, etc.”

The Pakistani delegation at the UNGA comprises Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, Ambassador to the United States Ali Jahangir Siddiqui and Permanent Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi.

For Islamabad, India cancelling a planned meet between FM Qureshi and Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj preceded the session. The Pakistani delegation arrived at the UN to present Islamabad's stance on various issues including Kashmir undettered by the the 'surprise'.

Pakistan, Kuwait fail to reach accord on lifting visa curbs

Day 5

Addressing the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi blamed India for exporting terrorism to Pakistan and other countries in the region. “Kulbhushan Jadhav is an example of India exporting terrorism to its neighbouring countries,” he said.

He reacted strongly to Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s verbal attack on Pakistan, Qureshi said that the neighbouring country rejected the Pakistani offer of resuming peace talks on ‘flimsy grounds’. In her speech at the UNGA, Swaraj had slammed Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring terrorists and “masking malevolence with duplicity”.



In a meeting with UN Sectretary General Antonio Guterres, Pakistan raised the human rights violations committed by India occupied forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir. They also exchanged views on Afghanistan and regional peace.



The OIC adopted statement calling for respect for Islam, the revered personalities and symbol.



In an address at the 42nd Ministral Meeting of the G77, Janjua extended Pakistan's continued support.



FM Qureshi addressed the Asia Soceity Forum.

FM exposes India as state sponsor of terror



FM discussed mutual cooperation in areas of trade and investment, peace and security in a meeting with his Russian counterpart.



Qureshi held meetings with foreign ministers of Egypt, UAE and Niger.







Day 4

In an interview to Al Jazeera on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, the foreign minister said the United States expected “special treatment” as a global power and asserted Pakistan’s willingness “to be friends” yet exercise its option to cultivate relations with others including China.



In a meeting with US diplomat Alice Wells, Janjua reiterated on ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The foreign minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for political initiatives to achieve peace in Afghanistan in a meeting with the United States Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad in New York.

Talks with Pakistan failed because of its actions: Sushma Swaraj

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During the informal meeting of SAAR members, FM Qureshi stressed against bringing bilateral issues into the ambit of the organisation.



Janjua addressed high level meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD).



Day 3 

FM Qureshi meets Saudi counterpart.



The foreign minister addressed Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) contact group on the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IOK).



Foreign minister holds talks with European Union Foreign Affairs and Security Policy VP on bilateral cooperation.



FM Qureshi emphasises need for democratic, accountable and effective Security Council at United for Consensus on Security Council Reforms meeting.



In a meeting with former United Kingdom foreign secretary and International Rescue Committee Chairman David Miliband, FM discusses disaster relief, education, healthcare and other matters.



Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua signs the Victims of Terrorism board at the UNOCT.



FM Qureshi meets Omani, British counterparts.





Trump agrees to reset Pak-US ties in meeting with FM

Day 2 at the UNGA

Pakistani delegation attends opening of 73rd UNGA General Debate Session.



FM meets US President Donald Trump, speaks about resetting bilateral ties “I met President Trump at the reception where I had the opportunity to discuss bilateral relations." Qureshi impressed upon Trump the pressing need to "rephrase historic relations, according to APP.

Israeli PM accuses Iran of harbouring 'secret atomic warehouse'

Qureshi greets Turkish President Erdogan.



In the 25th informal meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), FM pledges support for liberalising trade in region.



He met President Global Development at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations on the sidelines of the UNGA.



FM meets Kuwait deputy prime minister, foreign minister.



Qureshi participates in Action For Peacekeeping event hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.



Qureshi draws attention to nationwide investment opportunities in Atlantic Council address.

Trump takes anti-Iran campaign to UN Security Council



FM Qureshi meets Nepalese, Swiss, Dutch, Japenese and Qatari counterparts.











Day 1 at the UNGA


Foreign minister attends special ministerial meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Trump UNGA speech triggers laughter



Qureshi attends opening of High Plenary Meeting of Nelson Mandela Peace Summit alongside Lodhi.



Pakistani delegation meets World Bank president, highlights Indian violations of the Indus Water Treaty.



Qureshi addressed Organisation Islamic Cooperation (OIC) contact group.



September 22

Qureshi departs for the US from Islamabad International Airport “sans protocol”.

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