UN Chief Concludes Pakistan Visit, Reaffirms Commitment to Multilateralism and Global Peace

ISLAMABAD United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres concluded his official visit to Pakistan on October 8 after a series of high-level engagements with the country’s political and military leadership, during which Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter and the peaceful resolution of regional and global disputes. The Secretary-General, who visited Pakistan from October 6 to 8, held extensive discussions with senior Pakistani officials on regional and international peace and security, Jammu and Kashmir, Palestine, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, climate change, sustainable development and the future of the multilateral system. On October 6, Secretary-General Guterres met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability and reiterated Islamabad’s call for a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people  Ishaq Dar also briefed the UN Secretary-General on India’s unilateral decision to hold the Indus  rs Treaty in abeyance, describing it as a blatant violation of international law. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate right to self-determination and statehood.  The two sides also exchanged views on Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, sustainable development, climate change, international peace and security, and the evolving challenges confronting the multilateral system. The UN chief also called on the President of Pakistan on October 6. During a special investiture ceremony at the Presidency, the President conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz on António Guterres in recognition of his distinguished international service and contributions to global peace and development.  On October 7, Secretary-General Guterres met Prime Minister of Pakistan and discussed matters of regional and international importance.  During his visit, the UN chief also held meetings with the Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff, as well as the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control.  In his engagements, Secretary-General Guterres commended Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations, particularly its significant role in UN peacekeeping operations and its efforts to advance dialogue, mediation and international cooperation.  The Secretary-General also visited the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Islamabad, reaffirming the importance of the UN’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region.  He further visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where he was briefed on Pakistan’s progress in disaster preparedness, risk reduction and early warning systems.  On October 7, Guterres also participated as the guest speaker at a special session at the Foreign Service Academy on “Strengthening Multilateralism in a Changing World: Geopolitics and the Role of the United Nations.” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar delivered the welcome remarks.  In his address, the UN Secretary-General reflected on his longstanding association with Pakistan and paid tribute to the generosity, resilience and solidarity of the Pakistani people. He also drew on his more than two decades of service to the United Nations, including his tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The visit provided an important opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the United Nations and facilitate an exchange of views on pressing regional and global challenges. It also underscored Pakistan’s continued support for a strong and effective multilateral system with the United Nations at its core, as well as its abiding commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.