LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached London for a short tour ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The premier arrived at the Luton airport where he was welcomed by Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Dr Muhammad Faisal and officials of the UK government. He was accompanied by his son Suleman Shehbaz Sharif and Afzaal Bhatti, Pakistan’s newly-nominated ambassador to Morocco.

The premier will leave for the United States from London on September 23. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz said: “Departing for New York to represent Pakistan at the 79th UN General Assembly. Looking forward to a busy week full of engagements.”

“During our interactions, we will take up global issues, promoting peace, development, and climate action,” he said.

“We will present Pakistan’s perspective to the world,” the premier added.

A source close to the PM said that he would spend Sunday in London at his Edgware Road flat and fly out to New York early on Monday. He doesn’t have any official engagements for Sunday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday made it clear that "the country will not compromise on sovereignty."

Addressing an event in connection with Defence and Martyrs Day at GHQ in Rawalpindi. The premier underscored the importance of upholding peace. “The nations lead to prosperity by embracing peace. Pakistan wants peaceful relations with its neighbours as to maintain peace is our topmost priority.”

“Pakistan has always played a positive role in upholding stability in the region. The country has played a significant role in a bid to end the menace of terrorism,” he said.

PM Shehbaz said: “The borders of Pakistan are the symbol of peace themselves."