Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs faced backlash over Shama Junejo’s presence behind Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session. Junejo, accused of pro-Israel remarks, refuted claims she wasn’t part of the official delegation, sparking a heated controversy.
The Foreign Office stated that Junejo was not listed in the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA) delegation, signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. They clarified that her sitting behind Asif was unauthorised, addressing social media outrage over her alleged pro-Israel stance.
میں پچھلے کئی مہینوں سے پاکستان اور وزیراعظم صاحب @CMShehbaz کے لئے کام کر رہی تھی!
پاک بھارت جنگ کے دوران میرے پالیسی بریفس، ایڈوائس، اور پوائنٹس، سب کچھ ریکارڈ کا حصہ ہے اور محفوظ ہے۔
مجھے وزیراعظم صاحب نے اقوام متحدہ کی تقریر لکھنے کا ٹاسک دیا۔ اور خود وفد کا حصہ بنایا۔… pic.twitter.com/YTED1ZKx1N
— Dr Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) September 28, 2025Junejo countered on X, asserting her official role. “I’ve worked for Pakistan and PM Shehbaz Sharif for months,” she said, claiming she wrote Sharif’s UNGA speech and was included as an advisor with a security pass. She detailed attending key meetings, including with Bill Gates, and sitting with Asif and Ishaq Dar at a climate conference. Junejo questioned Asif’s denial, saying, “Why is Khawaja Sahib tarnishing his government’s historic visit?”
Khawaja Asif distanced himself, posting on X, “Who is this woman, and why was she seated behind me? Only the Foreign Office can answer.” His remarks fueled the debate, with Junejo alleging an agenda against the government’s success at the UNGA.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted queries regarding the seating of a certain individual behind the Defence Minister at a recent meeting of the UNSC. To clarify, the individual in question was not listed in the official letter of credence for the Pakistan delegation to the… https://t.co/60w0te9hLX
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 26, 2025The controversy, amplified by 60% of Pakistanis active on social media (DataReportal, 2025), questions diplomatic protocol and transparency. Junejo’s role in Sharif’s speech and her high-profile presence at the UNGA highlight internal government tensions, which impact public trust.
Read: Pakistan Foreign Office Addresses Shama Junejo UNSC Seating Controversy
Shama Junejo’s dispute with Pakistan’s Foreign Office over her UNSC seating escalates tensions. Her claims of contributing to PM Sharif’s speech challenge official narratives.
