Dawn
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02:52 Aug 25, 2025
WASHINGTON: For the first time since their four-day flare-up in May that brought South Asia to the brink of nuclear confrontation, the prime ministers of India and Pakistan will appear on the same day at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on Sept 26. According to a provisional schedule shared by UN officials, Pakistan may have a strategic advantage of speaking after India, giving it a direct platform to respond to New Delhi’s narrative. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead a high-level Pakistani delegation, which will include Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as the PM’s adviser on foreign affairs, Tariq Fatemi. The 80th UNGA officially opens on Sept 9, with the high-level general debate running from Sept 23 to 29. Brazil will speak first, followed by the US, where President Trump will deliver his first address to the UNGA in his second term. This year’s theme is: ‘Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.’ According to the provisional list, India’s premie...