• The U.S. veto power calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Democrats’ dining table resolution to recognize Palestine
• Focus on the Middle East that could impact scheduled Trump-Ribaz meeting
•In the afternoon, we will participate in two-state solutions
Washington: Crisis escalates as world leaders are expected to attend the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York Gaza and Qatar Global diplomatic priorities are being reshaped, having a significant impact on Pakistan’s interaction with the United States.
In addition to his speech at the conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the high-level international conference on “Questine Peaceful Settlement and Implementation of Two-State Solutions”.
The meeting will be held on Monday and requires the Pakistan delegation to conduct close consultations with Arab and Muslim leaders during the United Nations region.
At this week’s press conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed out that UN University No. 80 was “turbulent – even unknown – waters”.
The head of the United Nations pointed out that nearly 150 state and government leaders, along with thousands of officials and diplomats, will participate in the World Diplomacy Cup that began Monday in New York.
“Palestine will be the giant elephant (in the room) at this conference,” said Riyad Mansour, the special envoy of the Palestine United Nations.
The United States rejects and resolutions
On Thursday, Washington resumed its usual approach as it proposed a draft Security Commission resolution that calls for immediate, unconditional and permanent tin eafire in Gaza and calls on Israel to raise all restrictions on the Palestinian enclave of aid delivery.
The text was drafted by 10 members of the Commission elected in 15, and also demanded the immediate, dignity and unconditional release of all prisoners in Gaza heroes.
It received 14 votes in favor, but the United States used its veto power to obtain Israeli aid for the sixth time.
In a rare move last week, the United States supported a Security Council statement condemning the recent strike against Qatar, although the text did not mention Israel’s responsibility.
In another surprising development, Senate Democrats have proposed a resolution calling on the United States to expand recognition to the Palestinian state.
While the measure is unlikely to pass the Republicans of President Donald Trump to a 53-47 majority room, the resolution urges us to recognize a demilitarized Palestinian state with a secure Israeli counterpart.
“The United States has the responsibility to lead, and so is the time to take action,” Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat who leads the effort, said in a statement.
Reschedule
Islamabad’s positive stance in condemning the Israeli air strikes in Qatar and its subsequent diplomatic activities have increased its visibility within the Muslim world, and recently signed a mutual defense with Saudi Arabia, further enhancing its significance in regional security discussions.
Furthermore, UNGA’s shift focus is expected to affect the meetings expected to be held on the sidelines of the summit, as these are now expected to be dominated by the busy diplomacy of Middle Eastern participants. In the midst of all this, diplomatic sources in Washington suggest that a proposed meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may have to be rescheduled.
Sources said that while the White House remains interested in the meeting, the intensified crisis in Gaza and Qatar may require a shift in focus.
President Trump is expected to interact with Israeli and Arab leaders during the United Nations region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will consult with President Trump on September 29 shortly after he was held at the White House with President Trump and the world leaders of the United Nations University.
This may mean that Shehbaz-Trump’s interaction is limited to the viewing of the New York Congress meeting. But, embassy sources said Islamabad hopes to hold a mature meeting at the White House to address bilateral and regional issues.
Army Chief of Staff Marshal Asim Munir previously served in the White House with President Trump and is expected to accompany Prime Minister Shehbaz.
In the afternoon in London
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in London on Thursday to meet with senior British officials before traveling to the United States.
Sources said the prime minister will stay in London until September 21. During his stay, he plans to meet with senior officials and address a gathering of Pakistanis organized by the Overseas Pakistan Foundation.
Prior to landing in London, the Prime Minister stopped in Geneva to meet with his elder brother, Nawaz Sharif.
The elder Sharif arrived in Geneva four days ago for medical treatment and was accompanied by his son Hassan Nawaz and his doctor Adnan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to travel to London on Monday to join the Prime Minister and his delegation, including Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tar and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
Posted in Dawn on September 19, 2025
