ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, describing Islamabad’s efforts as valuable in a deeply divided international environment.
Addressing a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Guterres said Pakistan was playing an important role as a mediator and facilitator in two of the world’s most serious conflicts, including tensions in the Gulf and Middle East and the war in Ukraine.
“Pakistan’s role in facilitating the US-Iran talks is commendable,” Guterres said, adding that Islamabad had demonstrated significant diplomatic capability and built trust despite the divisions in the international community.
The UN secretary-general also stressed that lasting peace in the region would remain impossible without the full realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s decades-long hosting of millions of Afghan refugees, saying the country had kept its doors open to Afghans and demonstrated compassion and responsibility even during difficult circumstances.
He said the United Nations supported the principle of the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Afghans and regarded Pakistan as a country committed to solidarity and solutions.
The UN chief also acknowledged the resilience and courage of the Pakistani people in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing the need to address terrorism as well as legitimate security concerns.
Speaking on the occasion, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan was continuing to play its role in promoting international peace and security and pursuing diplomatic solutions to conflicts.
He stressed that the United Nations should retain a central role in addressing global conflicts and crises, while the priorities of developing countries should remain central to the UN agenda.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and said Islamabad believed in resolving disputes through peace, security and diplomacy.
He called for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The deputy prime minister also termed India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty a violation of international law, urging New Delhi to refrain from weaponizing water and fulfill its obligations under the treaty.
He highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, saying the country was among the ten countries most affected by climate-related challenges.
Dar further expressed serious concern over the continued use of Afghan territory for terrorist attacks against Pakistan and called on the UN secretary-general and the international community to play their role in addressing the terrorism challenge.
During his visit, Guterres also planted a sapling at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Ishaq Dar was present on the occasion.