Guterres Praises Pakistan’s Resilience and Commitment to Multilateralism

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has concluded his official visit to Pakistan after holding a series of high-level meetings with the country’s leadership and senior officials.

Guterres visited Pakistan from October 6 to 8 and held detailed discussions on regional and international issues, including peace and security, Kashmir, Palestine, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, climate change and sustainable development.

On October 6, the UN chief met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, calling for a peaceful settlement in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He also briefed the UN secretary-general on India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, which Pakistan has described as a violation of international law.

The deputy prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination and statehood. The two sides discussed developments in Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, regional security, climate change and the future of multilateral cooperation.

Guterres also met President Asif Ali Zardari on October 6. During a special investiture ceremony at the Presidency, the president conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz on the UN secretary-general in recognition of his services to global peace and development.

On October 7, Guterres met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed matters of regional and international importance. He also held meetings with the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, as well as the Interior and Narcotics Control Minister.

During his visit, the UN chief praised Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping and its efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and international cooperation.

Guterres also visited the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan in Islamabad and attended a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority on Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and early warning systems.

The UN secretary-general also addressed a special session at the Foreign Service Academy on October 7 on “Strengthening Multilateralism in a Changing World: Geopolitics and the Role of the United Nations.”

In his address, Guterres spoke about his longstanding association with Pakistan and praised the generosity, resilience and solidarity of the Pakistani people, drawing on his extensive experience with the United Nations, including his previous role as UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

The visit provided an opportunity for Pakistan and the United Nations to reaffirm their longstanding partnership and exchange views on major regional and international developments.