PM Shehbaz says UNGA engagements advanced Pakistan's diplomatic, economic interests

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described his diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as a significant success, highlighting discussions with Iran as well as Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on regional security and the implementation of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA).

Speaking to The Express Tribune, the prime minister said his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and trilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye were among the key engagements during his stay in New York.

On August 7, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye formalised their longstanding strategic relationship through the newly signed Makkah pact, a trilateral security framework that its proponents describe as a defensive arrangement aimed at strengthening collective deterrence, enhancing military cooperation and promoting regional stability.

The prime minister said the discussions on the sidelines of the UNGA focused on implementing the agreement and strengthening coordination among the three countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar separately met his Saudi and Turkish counterparts in New York to review progress on establishing the agreement's institutional structures, including its secretariat, committees and working groups. The three ministers also discussed regional and international security issues.

The security discussions came amid heightened regional tensions, including the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel and attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.

Also Read: Makkah pact military chiefs condemn attacks on holy city at Riyadh meeting

PM Shehbaz also held a meeting with Pezeshkian, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately met with Pakistani officials. The discussions focused on regional developments and efforts to promote dialogue.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the meeting with Pezeshkian was held in an open and candid manner and that the Iranian president had assured the Pakistani side that he would hold further discussions.

Pakistan also conveyed its position on attacks in the region, expressing understanding of Iran's concerns while condemning US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Islamabad also condemned Iranian attacks on what it described as US bases in Gulf countries, maintaining that such actions should not take place.

The discussions also touched on attacks by the Houthis, with Pakistani officials asking Iran to use its influence to persuade them to step back. Pakistan, according to the discussion, was "in a sense, operationally involved" in efforts to address the issue.

The Makkah pact remained a central part of Pakistan's security diplomacy during the visit.

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also met the Saudi and Turkish military chiefs as the three countries moved towards operationalising the agreement. A secretariat has been established under the arrangement to facilitate future coordination.

The three countries' military leadership subsequently met in Riyadh to review security threats and discuss intelligence sharing, military coordination and capability integration under the pact.

UNGA address and US engagement

Turning to his UNGA address, PM Shehbaz said US President Donald Trump had praised his speech. He also highlighted his meeting with the International Monetary Fund's managing director, particularly discussions over the impact of higher petroleum prices and the possibility of targeted subsidies for poorer sections of society.

The prime minister had earlier said Pakistan remained focused on diplomatic efforts to help end the conflict involving the United States and Iran. His UNGA address also covered Palestine, Kashmir, Gaza and wider regional tensions, including attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Rana Sanaullah, who was among the prime minister's aides involved in discussions during the visit, described the address as concise, saying there was "more sincerity and pain than rhetoric" in the speech.

Before the prime minister's arrival in New York, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi travelled to Tehran for bilateral discussions. On his return, he briefed PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir on his meetings. The following day, US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker also met Naqvi and sought an update on the developments.

IMF talks and economic priorities

Economic issues were another major focus of the prime minister's discussions in New York.

During his meeting with the IMF, Shehbaz said the Fund had expressed satisfaction with Pakistan's economic reform programme and had no objection to targeted fuel subsidies aimed at protecting poorer sections of society.

The prime minister said the subsidies were not intended for the entire population but were being considered specifically in response to the impact of higher petroleum prices on low-income people.

The IMF team was, meanwhile, in Pakistan for discussions ahead of the next instalment under the country's programme.

Read More: FM Dar reviews Makkah pact implementation with Saudi, Turkish counterparts

The prime minister also discussed his longer-term economic legacy, reflecting on his previous tenure as Punjab chief minister and considering what he could accomplish during the remaining years of his second term as prime minister.

The discussions also covered provincial issues and concerns over limited employment opportunities for young people. While some young Pakistanis leave the country for education, the discussion noted that employment opportunities remain limited for graduates returning with degrees.

Political stability was identified as another priority, with the view that sustained economic stability would require a stable political environment.

Domestic political concerns

The prime minister's diplomatic engagements also took place against the backdrop of domestic political tensions.

PM Shehbaz was aware of the proposed long march in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman's planned march over the petroleum levy.

After arriving in New York, the prime minister spoke to Rehman and asked him to postpone the Islamabad march, while members of his team, including Rana Sanaullah and Ahsan Iqbal, also held discussions with the JI leadership.

The government requested that the march be put on hold, while Shehbaz offered to discuss the petroleum levy issue with the party.

Overall, the prime minister's engagements in New York brought together Pakistan's immediate diplomatic concerns over the Middle East, the implementation of the Makkah defence pact, economic discussions with the IMF and efforts to manage domestic political pressures.