United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday lauded Pakistan’s “pivotal role” in mediating between the United States and Iran as he called on the parties to end the conflict and return to diplomacy.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he said: “Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is front and centre on issues of international peace and security.
“I salute Pakistan’s leadership for helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict. Your efforts helped deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations. Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” he said.
“And from Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: end the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights in accordance with international law. There will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is recognised, as Pakistan has long championed,” he said.
At the outset of his speech, the UN chief said that it was “wonderful to be back in Pakistan”.
“I am in the closing months of my tenure as UN secretary general. Before that, I served ten years as UN high commissioner for refugees,” he said.
“Pakistan has shown that, even in difficult circumstances, perhaps especially in difficult circumstances, compassion and responsibility must go hand-in-hand,” he said.
He asserted that Pakistan mattered not only because of its size, but because it brought an “essential perspective” to global debates.
“For decades, Pakistan opened its doors to millions of Afghans fleeing conflict and instability. Communities around this country shared whatever they had with people seeking protection and safety,” Guterres said.
He added that the UN was committed to working together with the country to uphold protection principles and ensure that returns of Afghans “proceed in a voluntary, safe and dignified way”.
According to the UN chief, Pakistan had put a spotlight on the value of multilateralism, dialogue, mediation and diplomacy at a time of growing division and mistrust around the world.
“Those same values are vital within societies as well,” he stated.
“Here and around the world, we know that inclusive institutions, respect for human rights, and a vibrant civic space are necessary to help strengthen social cohesion, build trust and enable people to contribute fully to their country’s future.”
Guterres also appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping.
“Pakistani women and men have served with courage and distinction in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments,” he said.
“More than 180 brave Pakistani souls gave their lives in the service of peace. We honour their sacrifice.”
The chief highlighted Pakistan’s leadership with Denmark on UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2823, which strengthened accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.
One hundred and fifty-three countries co-sponsored the resolution, which according to Guterres, was the largest number of co-sponsors for a UNSC resolution in UN history.
The UN chief also shared his plans to visit United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) later in the day to pay tribute to the mission and to peacekeepers worldwide.
Commenting on terrorism in the country, he said: “Pakistan has endured immense suffering. Thousands of people lost their lives. Families and communities across the country continue to bear scars. We stand with Pakistan in confronting this threat of terrorism.”
He added that addressing terrorism and legitimate security concerns was necessary and indispensable.
“Experience shows that the strongest and most effective security responses are those grounded in international law, human rights and the rule of law.”
Towards the end of his speech, Guterres spoke about the climate crisis.
“My last visit to Pakistan came during the catastrophic floods of 2022. I will never forget the utter devastation I saw,” he said, referring to the unprecedented floods four years ago that affected approximately 33 million people and claimed the lives of 1,700 people.
“But I also saw the resilience, determination and solidarity of the Pakistani people,” Guterres said. “Pakistan is on the frontlines of climate chaos despite contributing only a tiny fraction of global emissions.”
He appreciated Pakistan’s response to the crises, including establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund and the country’s growing clean energy transition.
However, he asserted that leadership from vulnerable developing countries cannot substitute for responsibility from developed countries.
“The G20 represents 80 per cent of global emissions. We need a drastic reduction in those emissions this decade,” he highlighted.
“The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must apply, but all countries must do their part,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dar said he “greatly appreciated” Guterres’ visit, which he asserted was a reflection of the “long-standing and close cooperation” between Pakistan and the UN.
“It also shows our common resolve to strengthen multilateralism and our cooperation at a time of profound global challenges,” he said.
“We have consistently sought to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN charter, advance international peace and security, contribute to peacekeeping and strengthen multilateral solutions to global challenges.”
Dar referred to Guterres as a “great friend” of Pakistan, adding that the country would not forget his solidarity during the 2022 floods as well as his efforts to mobilise international support for recovery and reconstruction.
During its time as an elected member of the UNSC, Dar said Pakistan had tried to make “significant contributions” to international peace and security, with particular emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
“Our initiative on resolution 2788 on strengthening multilateralism and mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes is a reflection of Pakistan’s approach in this regard,” the minister recalled.
“The unanimous adoption of that resolution reaffirmed the importance of negotiation, mediation, preventive diplomacy, and the good offices of the UN secretary general.”
He appreciated Guterres’ engagement with the follow-up to the resolution, including the participation and presentation of “solid recommendations” in the open debate held in July this year.
Dar said the country valued the secretary general’s “readiness” to extend his good offices in situations where dialogue and diplomacy could help reduce tensions and create space for peaceful solutions.
“This is particularly relevant at a time when the international community is confronted with multiple conflicts and crises,” he reiterated.
“Pakistan believes that the UN must remain at the centre of international efforts to address these challenges and that diplomacy must be given every opportunity to succeed.”
Pakistan, Dar said, had played a “proactive and constructive” role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the Gulf region. He appreciated Guterres’ support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts and his recognition of the importance of diplomatic engagement.
“Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue is consistent with our broader approach at the UN, which is to promote cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over conflict and peaceful settlement over the use of force,” he stated.
The minister said Pakistan supported the chief’s UN80 initiative, which seeks to make the UN more “effective, efficient and fit for purpose”.
“We believe that efforts to strengthen the organisation must reinforce its ability to deliver on its core mandates, while ensuring that the priorities and concerns of developing countries remain central.”
According to him, stronger, effective, inclusive, and representative multilateralism was needed at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate vulnerabilities and economic pressures.
He further appreciated the UN chief’s “continued attention” to issues of particular importance to Pakistan, including regional peace and stability, counter-terrorism, climate vulnerability and development challenges.
“We also greatly appreciate the UN’s consistent position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the reiteration of the UN framework and UNSC resolutions for resolving the dispute,” he said.
Dar said he briefed the UN chief on India’s unilateral move of holding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, which he referred to as a blatant violation of international law.
“We underscored the need to ensure that India stops weaponising water and fulfils its obligations under the IWT.”
He also highlighted Pakistan’s “deep concern” at the continued use of Afghan soil for carrying out terrorist attacks against Pakistan. He urged the UN chief and the international community to help address these challenges.
Dar meets UN chief
Earlier in the day, Dar held a one-on-one meeting with the UN chief, with the two discussing regional and global issues relating to peace and security, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The FO said the discussions covered Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.
Dar briefed the UN secretary general on Pakistan’s positions on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reaffirming Islamabad’s call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions.
According to the FO, Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its facilitation of the Islamabad talks between the US and Iran. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving disputes.
The UN secretary general appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the UN, as well as its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation, the FO said.
President confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz on UN chief
President Asif Ali Zardari also conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz on Guterres in recognition of his “distinguished international service, leadership of the UN and contribution to global peace and development,” a handout by the President’s Secretariat said.
The award, first to any UN secretary general by Pakistan, was conferred in a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-i-Sadr, the statement said.
According to the handout the president also separately met with the UN chief and appreciated his principled leadership, his efforts for international peace, dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as his constructive engagement with Pakistan and attention to the concerns of developing countries.
“The president said Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination,” it added.
“He appreciated the [UN chief’s] consistent advocacy for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution and said Pakistan would continue supporting efforts towards implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions,” the handout detailed.
The president further reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in South Asia, stressing that durable peace required sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India and the resolution of all outstanding disputes, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, as agreed under the UN resolutions respecting the sentiments of the Kashmiri people.
He also conveyed Pakistan’s position that the IWT was a binding international agreement and could not be unilaterally suspended or placed in abeyance.
President Zardari, per the handout, stressed that water should not be used as a weapon and an instrument of political pressure and that Pakistan’s water rights, recognised by international courts, under the treaty must be respected.
On the subject of regional peace and diplomacy, Zardari said the country’s diplomatic efforts, including the Islamabad Talks, had been guided by the “imperative of de-escalation, dialogue and protection of human life”.
“He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate diplomacy wherever it could be helpful, stressing that there is no alternative to dialogue for addressing regional disputes,” the handout said.
The president also spoke about counter-terrorism and Afghanistan. He said Pakistan remained a “committed partner” in the global fight against terrorism and has made enormous sacrifices in this cause.
“Pakistan continues to face terrorism from groups operating from Afghan territory and has shared evidence concerning external support to terrorist proxies targeting Pakistan,” the president said, stressing that Afghan territory must not be used against Pakistan or any other country.
UN chief’s visit
Guterres arrived in Islamabad in the early hours of Tuesday for a two-day official visit.
“Upon arrival, the secretary-general was received by Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir,” the FO said in a post on X.
The visit comes as Guterres’ 10-year tenure as UN chief is set to end on Dec 31. In its Monday statement, the FO said that during Guterres’ visit, Pakistan’s “efforts towards strengthening multilateralism and international peace and security, as well as its strides towards disaster preparedness and early warning, will be highlighted”.
PM Shehbaz met Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last month. The two discussed major regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.
In that meeting, Guterres commended Pakistan’s role and strong voice at the UN, as well as its contribution to international peace and security. The UN chief also appreciated Pakistan’s role and sacrifices in countering terrorism.
Guterres’ first visit to Pakistan as the UN secretary general was in February 2020, about three years after he was elected to the position in 2016.
The post UN chief hails Pakistan's 'pivotal role' in US-Iran conflict, calls for 'return to diplomacy' appeared first on Dawn – Home.
