UNITED NATIONS, Sept 15: Iraq, Afghanistan, Middle East, Sudan and the threat of terrorism to international peace and security would be the focus of the 191 member General Assembly (UNGA), which opened on Tuesday.

At least 67 heads of state/government are expected to take part during the two weeks of general debate at the beginning of the three-month session. The list of participants among others include US President George Bush, President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

President Musharraf is scheduled to meet both the US president and the Indian premier as well as many other world leaders during his week-long stay. A busy schedule awaits him. He is also expected to make a three-hour visit to Washington to meet congressional leaders.

A Pakistani official said that the Pakistan delegation will continue to project the Kashmir cause and seek an end to the massive repression of the Kashmiri people in the Indian occupied Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute as well as other issues on the agenda of composite dialogue between India and Pakistan will come under review at the Musharraf-Manmohan meeting.

Other issues of interest to Pakistan is terrorism in which Islamabad has led the way in capturing the majority of Al Qaeda leadership and over 500 'terrorists'. Pakistan will also underline the need to combat terrorism in accordance with the strategy of "Enlightened Moderation" outlined by President Musharraf.

According to diplomats, Pakistan will also seek election to the Economic and Social Council, the economic arm of the United Nations. And there are reports that Pakistan will seek the presidency of this prestigious body if elected.

The reform of the 15-nation Security Council, which includes its expansion, will be another issue high on the agenda. Aspirants for the permanent membership of the Council - Japan, Germany, India, Brazil and South Africa - are expected to intensify their lobbying.