Controversy Over Pakistani Female Officer Shama Junejo in UN Delegation Sparks Debate

A female Pakistani official named Shama Junejo has recently become the center of intense discussion after being seen seated behind Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session on artificial intelligence. Junejo, a columnist and social media activist, was not listed on Pakistan’s official delegation credentials, sparking questions about how and why she was included in the delegation.

The controversy escalated when users on social media noticed Junejo's previous posts expressing support for Israel, a stance contradictory to Pakistan's usual pro-Palestinian position. Many criticized Pakistan for this apparent breach of protocol and questioned the rationale behind her presence.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif distanced himself from the controversy, stating only the Foreign Ministry could clarify her inclusion. The Foreign Office later clarified that Junejo was not part of the officially accredited delegation. Asif also expressed surprise and concern that unauthorized individuals like Junejo were present with the delegation, denying claims that she had written the Prime Minister’s speech for the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

In response, Shama Junejo claimed that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had appointed her as an adviser to the delegation and that she had worked closely with the Prime Minister’s team for several months, traveling and attending key meetings during the UNGA session. She shared pictures of herself with Asif and other officials, and asserted that she was issued a security pass.

Junejo questioned why Defense Minister Asif and the Foreign Office had publicly distanced themselves from her, accusing them of undermining the government’s historic visit. She hinted at possible legal action to protect her reputation against defamation.

The controversy highlights internal discord and raises concerns about Pakistan’s delegation protocols at the UN, with questions lingering over the legitimacy and transparency of representation at such critical international forums.