PM Shehbaz arrives in London after UNGA visit
LONDON: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in London on Saturday after leading Pakistan’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The prime minister is expected to stay in London for a few days before departing for Islamabad. During his five-day visit to New York, Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 193-member UN General Assembly and held a series of meetings with world leaders and senior officials.
The discussions focused on regional and global security, bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. The prime minister also met members of the Pakistani-American business community and encouraged them to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.
During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN chief is expected to visit Pakistan next month and is scheduled to complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that dialogue and diplomacy should remain the preferred means of resolving international disputes. He also warned that any attempt to stop, impede or divert Pakistan’s share of river waters would be treated by Islamabad as an act of war.
Earlier on Saturday, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Global Development Initiative (GDI), describing it as an important platform for promoting solidarity, strengthening South-South cooperation and achieving practical development outcomes for developing countries.
Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks while addressing a high-level GDI meeting hosted by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on the sidelines of the UNGA session.
The prime minister praised the vision behind the initiative and noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had proposed the GDI three years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Shehbaz Sharif, the objectives of the Global Development Initiative are aligned with Pakistan’s national economic transformation plan. He also highlighted the continued cooperation between Pakistan and China through the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The prime minister said CPEC has now entered its second phase, with both countries continuing to work together on economic and development projects.
Following the conclusion of his UNGA engagements, Shehbaz Sharif’s arrival in London marks the next stop of his international visit before his expected return to Islamabad.
