UN Secretary-General António Guterres praises Pakistan’s pivotal role during the US-Iran conflict
Pakistan is a staunch supporter of the multilateral system and will continue to play a role in global peace, security, and conflict resolution: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar
Islamabad (Report: Asghar Ali Mubarak): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan is a firm supporter of the multilateral system and the UN Charter, and will continue to contribute to global peace, security, and the resolution of conflicts. He emphasized that the United Nations should play a central role in addressing global conflicts and crises and urged India to refrain from using water as a weapon and to fulfill its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended Pakistan’s leadership for its significant role in facilitating dialogue during the US-Iran conflict; he urged all parties to end hostilities, return to diplomacy, and fully restore rights and freedoms of maritime navigation in accordance with international law. He expressed these views while addressing a joint press conference here on Tuesday. Mohammad Ishaq Dar welcomed UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ visit to Pakistan, noting that the visit exemplifies the long-standing and close cooperation between Pakistan and the United Nations. He added that the visit reflects their shared commitment to the multilateral system and mutual cooperation in tackling global challenges, highlighting Pakistan’s long history of collaboration with the UN and its steadfast support for the multilateral system. He stated that we are continuously striving to uphold and implement the UN Charter, cooperate for global peace, security, and the maintenance of peace, and strengthen the multilateral system to address global challenges; we remain committed to reinforcing our long-standing and close cooperation with the United Nations. Ishaq Dar stated that we appreciate the leadership of the UN Secretary-General and his principled commitment to the multilateral system, international law, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts; he is a great friend of Pakistan. We will never forget his solidarity with the people of Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2022 and his support regarding international aid for recovery and reconstruction. He mentioned holding detailed discussions with the UN Secretary-General on cooperation between Pakistan and the UN, current international challenges, and global and regional affairs—including the security situation, West Asia, the Middle East and Palestine, South Asia, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, terrorism, the future of peacekeeping missions, global development, climate change, and the future of the multilateral system. He noted that Pakistan is currently an elected member of the Security Council and has played a significant role—particularly regarding dialogue, diplomacy, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and global peace and security. He highlighted that Security Council Resolution 2788 underscores the importance of dialogue, mediation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and we appreciate the Secretary-General’s efforts to implement this resolution. The UN must play a central role in addressing global conflicts and crises, and every possible opportunity should be given for diplomacy to succeed. We also discussed Pakistan’s efforts in this regard; Pakistan has played an active and constructive role in fostering dialogue and de-escalating tensions in the Gulf region—prioritizing cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over conflict, and peaceful solutions over the use of force. We appreciate the UN Secretary-General’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts and diplomatic role, and Pakistan supports the Secretary-General’s ‘UN 80′ initiative. The priorities and concerns of developing countries hold a central place in the UN agenda; we believe that efforts to further strengthen the United Nations will be intensified, and Pakistan will continue to work alongside member states to achieve the UN’s objectives. He stated that we appreciate the United Nations’ consistent stance regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and its resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. Ishaq Dar mentioned that he had also apprised the UN Secretary-General of India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—a clear violation of international law—and emphasized the need to ensure that India refrains from using water as a weapon and fulfills its obligations under the treaty. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted that he had also highlighted the issue of Afghan soil being continuously used for terrorist attacks in Pakistan, expressing hope that the UN Secretary-General and the international community would assist in addressing these challenges. Pakistan will continue to play its role in promoting the UN Charter, its objectives, and its principles. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the United Nations views Pakistan as a source of solidarity and solutions; Pakistan has demonstrated compassion and responsibility even in difficult circumstances, having hosted millions of Afghan refugees and kept its doors open for decades to millions of Afghans affected by conflict. The United Nations supports the voluntary, dignified, and safe return of Afghans, and Pakistan presents its important and essential perspective in global discussions.He stated that he salutes Pakistan’s leadership for playing a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran; Pakistan’s efforts in this regard are commendable, and it was as a result of these efforts that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed on June 17, a ceasefire was achieved, and a framework for future negotiations was established—a significant role of which every Pakistani should be proud. He urged all parties to resolve conflicts, return to diplomacy, and fully restore rights and freedoms regarding maritime navigation in accordance with international law. He emphasized that lasting peace in the region cannot be established without granting the Palestinian people their right to self-determination; peace and security in the region are only possible through dialogue and cooperation. Pakistan has played a robust role during its two-year tenure on the UN Security Council, highlighting the importance of strengthening the multilateral system, dialogue, and mediation. Pakistan has long played a prominent role in UN peacekeeping missions, and its brave personnel have sacrificed their lives for global peace; we pay tribute to their sacrifices. Pakistan and Denmark played a significant role in the drafting of UN Resolution 2823. He noted that 156 countries co-sponsored the resolution, the highest number in the history of the Security Council. He remarked that Pakistan has suffered heavy loss of life due to terrorism, and the UN stands with the country. In 2022, Pakistan suffered severe damage from floods—a level of devastation I had never witnessed before—yet the people of Pakistan demonstrated immense solidarity and resolve in coping with the situation. Regarding global carbon emissions… Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Pakistan is among the countries most severely affected by climate change. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres; discussions covered regional and global peace and security—including issues related to Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, and Afghanistan—as well as counter-terrorism and the future of the multilateral system. According to a statement from the Foreign Office, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister briefed the UN Secretary-General on Pakistan’s stance regarding Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, reiterating Pakistan’s call for a just and peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to foster dialogue and de-escalate tensions, including its role in facilitating talks between the US and Iran. Describing dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving conflicts, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to this approach. The UN Secretary-General commended Pakistan’s long-standing contributions to the global body, as well as its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation, and the de-escalation of tensions.
