Defence Minister tells the UN that development is hindered by crises like Gaza, calling for fairer economic systems
\n New York
\nFederal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that sustainable development will remain out of reach as long as tragedies like Gaza continue, blaming developed nations for perpetuating such crises.
\nSpeaking at the UN\u2019s Summit of the Future in New York, Khawaja urged the international community to address global economic disparities and ensure equitable growth for developing countries.
\nIn his address, Khawaja called for improved representation of developing nations in international financial institutions and advocated for a review of the sovereign debt framework to ensure fairness.
\nHe also pressed for the creation of an equitable international tax system.
\nHighlighting the need for reforms in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Khawaja argued that such changes would help developing countries expand exports and promote development.
\nHe warned against introducing new forms of environmental protectionism that could hinder progress.
\nThe Defence Minister also expressed support for adopting the UN\u2019s Pact for the Future, describing it as a vital document reflecting the global community\u2019s determination to tackle pressing challenges.
\nHe emphasised the importance of upholding the commitments made in the pact.
\nPM Shehbaz Sharif arrives in New York
\nPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
\nHe is scheduled to address the Assembly on Friday, where he will present Pakistan\u2019s position on various international and regional concerns, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the situation in Palestine.
\nIn his speech, the prime minister will reaffirm Pakistan\u2019s commitment to multilateralism and its support for the United Nations\u2019 efforts in promoting global peace, security, and development.
\nMassive security measures are in place in and around the UN complex for the Assembly\u2019s high-level debate from Sept 24 to 28.
\nThe prime minister is also set to address several summit meetings, including the \u2018high-level meeting on existential threat posed by sea-level rise\u2019, \u2018SDG Moment 2024\u2019, and the UN Security Council\u2019s open debate on \u2018Leadership for Peace\u2019.
\nIn addition to his address, PM Shehbaz will participate in several high-level meetings on the sidelines of the Assembly, including discussions on the threats posed by rising sea levels and the UN Security Council\u2019s open debate on leadership for peace.
\nThe prime minister will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and meet with members of the US-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistani bankers to promote Pakistan\u2019s pro-business and investment policies.
\nDuring his visit, PM Shehbaz will highlight the impacts of climate change on countries; Pakistan\u2019s sacrifices in its fight against terrorism; challenges faced by the debt-burdened countries; India\u2019s occupation of Kashmir; and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by Israeli occupation forces.
\nThe prime minister will interact with members of the US-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistani bankers to apprise them of his government\u2019s pro-business and investment policies.
\nAdditionally, he is set to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; presidents of the UN General Assembly, European Commission, and the World Bank; Bill Gates; and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
\nIn a scheduled meeting with Palestinian President Mehmood Abbas, PM Shehbaz will consult on ways to persuade the international community to accelerate its efforts to end Israel\u2019s oppression of Palestine.
\nThe prime minister will also attend a luncheon reception by Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah on the completion of 40 years of his country\u2019s UN membership, as well as a dinner reception by Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus to mark 50 years of his country\u2019s UN membership.
\nHe will also have a one-on-one meeting with Dr Yunus as the relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have dramatically improved following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Defence Minister tells the UN that development is hindered by crises like Gaza, calling for fairer economic systems New York Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that sustainable development will remain out of reach as long as tragedies like Gaza continue, blaming developed nations for perpetuating such crises. Speaking at the UN\u2019s Summit of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":433287,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-433267","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n