PM Shehbaz-Led Delegation to Spend $300,000 on Hotel Stays in New York

Arrangements are in full swing for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

PM Shehbaz Sharif Heads to UNGA with Large Delegation Amid Criticism

According to The News, this year’s Pakistani delegation is much larger than in previous years, with around 40 to 50 members accompanying the Prime Minister. The group includes at least eight ministers and advisors.

To host the delegation, rooms have been secured in two upscale hotels in New York, where the daily rate for a standard room reportedly exceeds $1,000 per night. Costs for family suites, meeting spaces, and other facilities are expected to push the bill even higher. Although diplomatic staff are exempt from local taxes, only the base rates will apply.

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For the six-night stay, hotel expenses alone are projected to surpass $300,000 (roughly Rs. 84 million). Over 28 rooms have been reserved in one hotel, while more than 20 rooms are booked in the other. This figure does not include additional costs such as meals, transport, and event arrangements.

Prime Minister Sharif and key officials will first make a brief stop in London before arriving in New York. Other members of the delegation are expected to travel separately on different flights.

The scale of the delegation and the expenses involved have triggered criticism, especially at a time when Pakistan is facing severe economic challenges. Critics argue that the government should exercise restraint and set an example of austerity.

During his UNGA trip, Prime Minister Sharif is scheduled to meet representatives of the IMF and World Bank, alongside the Finance Minister, to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing financial difficulties. The Pakistani ambassador to the UN will also hold a media briefing on September 19, where further details of the visit are expected to be shared.