UNITED NATIONS: Prime Minister Imran Khan will join a galaxy of leaders from around the world on Tuesday when the UN General Assembly begins its annual debate to discuss issues of peace and security, with Pakistan’s Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi saying that the Pakistani leader will be on ‘Mission Kashmir’ in New York.

“His focus will obviously be Kashmir and he will highlight the plight of the Kashmiri people who continue to suffer a suffocating lockdown and a brutal occupation,” she said in an interview ahead of PM Khan’s arrival here for his first General Assembly visit, the state news agency reported.

The situation in Indian occupied Kashmir turned grave when New Delhi illegally annexed the disputed state on August 5, placing millions of Kashmiri people under military siege, and keeping them incommunicado, with thousands thrown in jails.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia reiterates support with Pakistan over Kashmir issue

 “Prime minister Khan will be the voice of the Kashmiri people at the UN,” Ambassador Lodhi declared.

On Sept 18, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had underscored the need for respecting human rights in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which is under repressive lockdown for over six weeks now.

Responding to a question during a press conference marking the start of the General Assembly’s 74th session, he had said he would continue to advocate for the peaceful settlement of the decades-old Kashmir dispute.

He had also urged India and Pakistan to find a solution to the grave crisis through dialogue.

On Sept 19, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi King Khadim ul Harmain Shareefain Salman bin Abdulaziz had held a meeting in Saudi Arabia and exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and global political situation.

During the meeting, the prime minister had apprised the Saudi King about the latest situation of Occupied Kashmir. The Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz reiterated its support and solidarity with Pakistan over Kashmir issue.