Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday told Pakistan’s Permanent Representative (PR) to the UN Dr Maleeha Lodhi that Pakistan had always played an active role in the UN and should continue to be in the forefront of all activities and debates.
The premier, who was called on by Dr Lodhi at the PM House, directed the envoy to continue to ensure that Pakistan’s voice was heard on issues relating to peace, security and development at the UN. He further gave guidelines to Dr Lodhi on how to make the country’s participation more meaningful. The premier also mentioned that Pakistan contributed the largest troops to the UN peacekeeping operations in the world.
Dr Lodhi briefed the prime minister about UN-related matters and several events that are scheduled to take place during the special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September this year. The UN would be marking the 70th anniversary of its founding this year which gives special importance to the upcoming session.
Prime Minister Sharif is expected to address the UNGA session during which he would highlight Pakistan’s foreign policy and national priorities.
In addition, Dr Lodhi apprised the premier on a number of other significant events which have great relevance to Pakistan. Of these events, the most important would be the post-2015 development agenda, endorsed by world leaders. This will include the adoption of sustainable development goals.
Other significant events taking place at the UNGA session include a summit on South-South cooperation, a meeting on gender equality and women empowerment and a peacekeeping summit to be co-hosted by Pakistan along with other countries.
PM’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaz Aziz and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present at the meeting.
