Overview

• Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated on X that the woman seen behind Defence Minister Khawaja Asif at the UN session was not listed on the official 80th UNGA delegation and lacked required approval.
• Khawaja Asif said seating was the Foreign Office’s domain, called for answers on who placed her there, and later told a TV show he was taken aback to see her with the delegation.
• The episode traces to visuals from the September 24 UNSC meeting on artificial intelligence, where Asif delivered remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
• Shama Junejo rejected claims she supports Israel, posting screenshots of prior commentary condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and criticizing Netanyahu.
• It remains unclear who facilitated her access and seat behind the minister, as opposition figures pressed for accountability and others cautioned against smear campaigns.