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ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday began high-level engagements on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, meeting global leaders to press for peace in the Middle East while seeking stronger economic partnerships, his office said.

The annual UNGA session comes against the backdrop of Israel’s nearly two-year war on Gaza and recent strikes on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, which have heightened fears of a broader regional conflagration. Sharif, who is leading Pakistan’s delegation, is expected to call for decisive international action on Gaza as well as a resolution of the disputed Kashmir territory.

During a meeting with Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah on the sidelines of UNGA, the Pakistani prime minister “recalled the longstanding, fraternal ties between Pakistan and Kuwait, and conveyed his respects and good wishes for Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah,” Sharif’s office said.

“The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situation in the Middle East,” according to the statement. 

“The Crown Prince appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to effectively project the plight of the Palestinian people before the international community as well as playing an important role for peace in the region.”

Sharif also met Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, with discussions focused on trade, tourism, climate change and education.

“The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s desire to further enhance its bilateral cooperation with Austria across all areas of mutual interest,” his office said, adding that both sides agreed to exchange delegations to boost cooperation in tourism.

Separately, the White House confirmed Sharif will attend a multilateral meeting later on Tuesday hosted by US President Donald Trump with leaders from ����ֱ��, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye and Indonesia. 

From Sept. 23 to 29, the UNGA will feature speeches from presidents, prime ministers and monarchs outlining national visions for peace, development and human rights at the iconic green marble podium in New York.

PESHAWAR: Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has raised $1.9 million in revenues from its 2025-26 Trophy Hunting Program, provincial authorities said on Tuesday, with majority of funds to be distributed among local populations.

The trophy hunting program helps authorities curb poaching and preserve rare species apart from creating livelihood opportunities for local populations by promoting eco-tourism in the northwestern Pakistani province.

The revenues include $946,000 from four exportable markhor permits, $553,300 from nine non-exportable markhor permits, $16,042 from 20 non-exportable ibex permits and $398,500 raised through six non-exportable grey goral permits.

Markhor, a wild goat with twisted horns, is Pakistan's national animal and found in the country's mountainous north. The trophy hunting season, which usually begins in Nov. and continues till Apr., involves multiple hunts.

"The trophy hunting program has emerged as a successful example of sustainable wildlife conservation in KP," the provincial wildlife department said in a statement.

"A major share of the revenue is distributed among local communities living near wildlife habitats so they can benefit directly from the program."

While trophy hunting is viewed worldwide as a controversial practice as it involves hunting rare animals, KP authorities say they have created strong incentives for the protection of species like the markhor by sharing a major share of revenues with local residents.

In 2024, the parks and wildlife department in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region auctioned trophy hunting permits for more than 100 endangered animals, with the Astore Markhor goat’s permit fetching the highest bid of $107,000.