PM Shehbaz-Led Delegation to Spend $300,000 on Hotel Stays in New York

Arrangements are underway for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation ahead of their visit to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. According to a report by The News, this year’s delegation is significantly larger than in previous years, with accommodations for around 40 to 50 members, including eight ministers and advisors. To accommodate the delegation, rooms have been booked in two upscale New York hotels, with the daily rate for a standard room exceeding $1,000. Additional charges for family suites and meeting rooms will further inflate the cost. Diplomatic staff, however, are exempt from local taxes, meaning only the base rates apply. The total hotel costs for the six-night stay are expected to exceed $300,000 (approximately Rs. 84 million), excluding other expenses such as meals and meeting facilities. Over 28 rooms have been reserved in one hotel, while more than 20 rooms have been booked in the second. Prime Minister Sharif and key officials will stop in London before arriving in New York, with other members of the delegation arriving on separate flights. The large delegation size and the significant expenses associated with the visit have sparked criticism, especially given Pakistan’s current economic challenges. The Pakistani ambassador to the UN is set to hold a briefing on September 19, with further details on the visit expected. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with IMF and World Bank representatives during his stay in New York, alongside the Finance Minister.