Islamabad (GNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who is in Pakistan on an official visit.
Shehbaz praised Guterres for his principled adherence to the UN Charter, multilateralism, international law, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and recognised his significant contribution to international peace and security during his time in office.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan remains firmly committed to a UN that is effective, inclusive and representative, especially while multilateralism is under strain. He welcomed the UN80 Initiative, adding that reform should reflect the priorities of developing nations and reinforce conflict prevention, peaceful dispute settlement, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. He also restated Pakistan’s long-standing backing for UN peacekeeping and its ongoing contribution to global peace and security.
Shehbaz pointed to Pakistan’s diplomatic work to encourage talks and reduce tensions, including its role as mediator between the US and Iran. Dialogue and diplomacy, he said, are the only workable way to settle disputes and head off escalation.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to regional peace and stability, he called for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He described the Indus Waters Treaty as a binding international agreement and said India’s unilateral move to hold it in abeyance has no legal basis.
The Prime Minister said a peaceful, stable Afghanistan serves Pakistan’s interests. At the same time, he voiced serious concern over terrorism originating in Afghanistan and the presence of militant groups on its soil, and called for concrete, verifiable action against them.
He restated Pakistan’s firm support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood, and for implementing the Gaza Peace Plan and UNSC Resolution 2803. He also stressed that developing countries need wider access to affordable, concessional finance to pursue development and build climate resilience.
Also read: Pak, UK Explore Investment Partnership to Advance Trade
The Secretary-General thanked Pakistan for its long-standing contribution to the UN and to international peace and security, including its major role in peacekeeping and its constructive engagement in the Security Council. He singled out Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
