Overview

• Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the woman seated behind Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was not listed in the official letter of credence for the 80th UNGA delegation and lacked approval from the deputy prime minister/foreign minister.
• Khawaja Asif distanced himself from the episode, saying seating was the FO’s domain, later adding he was taken aback and denying that Junejo wrote the prime minister’s UN speech.
• Junejo asserted the prime minister included her as an adviser, tasked her with drafting his UN address, and that she held a security pass, sharing images and accounts of attending high‑level meetings; officials have not confirmed her claims.
• The controversy followed online circulation of photos from a UNSC session showing Junejo behind Asif and renewed focus on her past posts perceived as supportive of Israel, which she countered by highlighting her recent condemnations of Israeli actions in Gaza.
• It remains unclear who authorised Junejo’s access and seating, as the FO statement did not identify any official responsible, leaving the matter unresolved.