New York, September 27: In a mega-clash at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the heads of states of India and Pakistan will address the gathering of world leaders today. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled as the seventh speaker of the day at the General Assembly, and will be immediately succeeded by his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan. This would be a rare occasion in the UNGA when New Delhi and Islamabad are lined up one after another.
The UNGA session is scheduled to begin at 9 am local time (6:30 pm IST), and Modi's speech will begin after six other world leaders conclude their speech. According to reports, the Indian PM's address to the UNGA could be broadcasted live at around 8:30-9:00 pm (IST). Syed Akbaruddin Slams Imran Khan for Raising Kashmir Issue at UNGA, Says 'Rants, Theatrics Do Not Work at UN'.
The speech of Modi would be aired live on all major news channels of India, along with the state broadcaster DD News. The social media handles of Press Information Bureau (PIB) -- India's nodal information & broadcasting agency -- will also air the speech live.
Imran Khan is scheduled to begin his speech after Modi concludes. The Pakistani PM's address will be aired live on all major Pakistani news channels, along with the state broadcaster PTV.
Khan is expected to keep his speech centred on the issue of Kashmir. On his visit to the United States so far, the Pakistani PM has raked up the matter at all forums and in most bilateral meetings. While addressing the press on Wednesday, he also expressed disappointment over the "lack of response" shown by the world leaders towards the alleged human rights violation in the Kashmir Valley.
Modi, meanwhile, is expected to speak on an array of subjects including regional development and peace. He would highlight his govt's key initiatives towards poverty alleviation, affordable health care and steps taken to combat two global scourges terrorism and climate change.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2019 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).