Shama Junejo Claims She Wrote PM Shehbaz’s UN Speech, Defends Role in Delegation Amid Khawaja Asif Row

Islamabad – September 28, 2025:
Columnist Shama Junejo has defended her inclusion in Pakistan’s delegation to the United Nations, claiming that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally tasked her with writing his UNGA speech and listed her as an official adviser during the visit.

The controversy began after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while addressing a UN Security Council session on artificial intelligence, was photographed with Junejo seated behind him. The images sparked debate on social media as old posts allegedly supportive of Israel resurfaced. Asif later distanced himself, saying Junejo’s presence was “a Foreign Office matter” and reaffirming his commitment to the Palestinian cause.

In response, Junejo shared her UN security pass and photographs from the visit on X (formerly Twitter), asserting:

“The Prime Minister assigned me the task of writing his speech for the UN and officially included me as an adviser. I worked day and night as part of his team.”

She claimed she attended high-level meetings, including one with Bill Gates, accompanied the PM throughout the trip, and was seated alongside senior ministers at major events such as the Climate Conference. Junejo further alleged that she was escorted by the protocol team to the AI session where she sat with Khawaja Asif and Minister for Crypto Bilal Bin Saqib.

Junejo emphasised that the UN speech was a “team effort” and not solely her work, adding that she remained part of the delegation until her pre-scheduled departure, with protocol staff dropping her at the airport.

Criticising Khawaja Asif’s remarks, she urged the Prime Minister to take notice, arguing that the minister’s statements undermined the authority of the premier himself.

“Why Khawaja Asif is making such statements and tarnishing his own government’s historic visit is something the Prime Minister should ask him,” she concluded.