ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has concluded his official visit to Pakistan, during which he held meetings with the country’s top political and military leadership and discussed regional and global issues.
Guterres stayed in Pakistan from October 6 to 8. According to the Foreign Ministry, he met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on October 6.
During the meeting, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
The deputy prime minister stressed the need for a fair and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Dar also briefed the UN secretary-general on India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the move as a violation of international law.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination and statehood.
Guterres also met President Asif Ali Zardari on October 6. In recognition of his services to global peace and development, President Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz on the UN secretary-general.
On October 7, Guterres met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed matters of regional and global importance. He also held meetings with Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to the United Nations, particularly its significant role in peacekeeping missions and efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and international cooperation.
The UN secretary-general also visited the headquarters of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Islamabad.
He further attended a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority, where he was briefed on Pakistan’s progress in disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
On October 7, Guterres also delivered a special address at the Foreign Service Academy on “Strengthening Multilateralism in a Changing World: Geopolitics and the Role of the United Nations.”
During his address, he spoke of his longstanding association with Pakistan and praised the generosity, resilience and solidarity of the Pakistani people.
The Foreign Ministry said the visit provided an important opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United Nations, discuss regional and global developments, and reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter.