Overview

• Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the woman seen behind Defence Minister Khawaja Asif at a UN meeting was not on the official letter of credence for the 80th UNGA and lacked approval from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
• Khawaja Asif said he was taken aback by her presence, insisted seating was the Foreign Office’s domain, and asked the ministry to explain how she was positioned directly behind him.
• Shama Junejo asserted on Sunday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif included her in the UN delegation as an adviser, claimed she worked with his team and had a UN security pass, and shared photos and a card to support her account.
• Junejo rejected accusations of supporting Israel and posted past comments condemning actions in Gaza, while critics highlighted earlier posts praising Benjamin Netanyahu and pressed for accountability over protocol.
• Responsibility for facilitating her access remains unclear as political figures question procedures and the government’s handling of delegation credentials at high‑profile UN sessions.