Here’s a Quick Summary Of Imran Khan – Trump Meeting On The Sidelines Of UNGA

It’s that time of the year when world leaders are gathering in New York to take part in the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

This year’s UNGA is especially important for Pakistan given the volatile situation in the region on multiple fronts.

There is of course the long-standing Kashmir dispute, which has gained international attention afresh in the wake of India’s move to revoke Article 370.

Then there is a very alive threat of a regional conflict involving Iran and Saudi Arabia following drone strikes on Saudi oil reserves that the kingdom blames on Iran.

Read: Everything You Need To Understand About The Modi – Trump Meeting In US

Finally, the on-going peace efforts in Afghanistan also feature Pakistan as a key stakeholder. Even though, there was a break-down of talks between the US administration and Taliban in September, Pakistan continues to remain at the heart of future efforts.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had chosen to skip last year’s UNGA, citing that he had “more pressing issues at home to deal with.” However, with Kashmir, Iran and Afghanistan occupying his mind, Khan chose to make his presence felt at the global gathering this year.

Imran – Trump meeting

Among his most high profile engagements, Imran Khan held a meeting with US President Donald Trump to highlight the plight of Kashmiris in the wake of Article 370 revocation.

Imran Khan asked President Trump to take responsibility to end the crisis in Kashmir as being the head of a super power in a joint press conference.

President Trump once again offered to act as a mediator in his meeting with Imran Khan.

“I am ready, willing and able to mediate in the Kashmir issue if both (India and Pakistan) want it… It is a complex issue. It is being going on for a long time. But if both want it, I will be ready to do it.”

-President Trump

This statement has come at a time when India has repeatedly rejected offers of third party mediation and declared Kashmir an internal matter.

Discussion on Afghanistan

The two leaders discussed the situation in Afghanistan and PM Imran Khan asked U.S. President Donald Trump to restart peace talks with the Afghan Taliban.

“Stability in Afghanistan means stability in Pakistan.”

-Imran Khan

Imran Khan and Trump discuss Iran in their meeting

President Trump asked PM Imran Khan to mediate between the United States and Iran. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Imran Khan would discuss the issue with the Iranian leadership to find a way out.

Imran Khan to address UNGA on 27 September

PM Imran Khan will address UNGA on 27 September.

According to Pakistan’s representative to the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi, “This is mission Kashmir for Prime Minister Imran and for Pakistan. His message will be clear: to find a peaceful solution for the Kashmir dispute.”

Imran Khan will address the world leaders on more than three occasions, Climate Change Summit, Summit on Universal Health Care and Financing for Development.