Arrangements are being finalized for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, accompanied by a larger-than-usual delegation.
According to The News, around 40 to 50 members, including eight ministers and advisors, will join him. To host the delegation, rooms have been booked in two luxury hotels, with standard rates above $1,000 per night. Family suites and meeting rooms will add to the expenses, though diplomatic staff are exempt from local taxes.
The six-night hotel stay alone is expected to cost over $300,000 (around Rs. 84 million), not including meals or meeting facilities. One hotel has reserved 28 rooms, while the second has booked over 20.
PM Shehbaz and senior officials will make a stop in London before reaching New York, with others flying separately.
The hefty costs and size of the delegation have drawn criticism at a time when Pakistan faces economic struggles. During the trip, the Pakistani ambassador to the UN will hold a briefing on September 19, and the Prime Minister is also expected to meet IMF and World Bank officials alongside the Finance Minister.
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