UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Pakistan’s “pivotal role” in US-Iran mediation on Tuesday and urged the parties to resume diplomacy. He spoke alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during his October 6 visit.
“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.
Guterres called for an end to the conflict and restoration of navigational rights under international law. He also linked lasting regional peace to Palestinian self-determination.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office lists his visit as October 6–8, clarifying the supplied report’s reference to a two-day trip. His programme includes meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. He will also visit UN military observers and the National Disaster Management Authority.
Guterres honoured Pakistan’s peacekeeping contribution, recalling more than 180 Pakistani personnel who died serving peace.
He praised Pakistan and Denmark for leading Security Council Resolution 2823, which strengthens accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. Its 153 co-sponsors represented a record for a Security Council resolution, he said.
The UN chief also acknowledged Pakistan’s decades of hosting millions of Afghan refugees. He stressed that returns must “proceed in a voluntary, safe and dignified way”.
On terrorism, Guterres recognised Pakistan’s suffering and backed efforts to confront the threat. He stressed international law, human rights and the rule of law as foundations for effective security responses.
Climate vulnerability featured prominently in his remarks.
Guterres recalled witnessing the devastation of Pakistan’s 2022 floods, which affected approximately 33 million people and killed 1,700.
He praised Pakistan’s clean-energy transition and role in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund. However, he urged developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities.
“The G20 represents 80 per cent of global emissions. We need a drastic reduction in those emissions this decade,” he said.
Dar raised Kashmir, Afghanistan, counterterrorism and India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Pakistan’s government separately confirmed that their meeting covered these regional disputes and Islamabad’s facilitation of US-Iran dialogue.
“We underscored the need to ensure that India stops weaponising water and fulfils its obligations under the IWT.”
Dar also alleged that militants continued using Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan and sought international assistance.
He highlighted Resolution 2788 on peaceful dispute settlement and supported Guterres’ UN80 reform initiative. He said reforms must preserve the organisation’s core responsibilities and developing countries’ priorities.
Guterres’ decade as secretary-general ends on December 31. His visit follows talks with Shehbaz at the UN General Assembly last month.
The UN said the trip would also assess Pakistan’s progress on disaster preparedness and resilience since the 2022 floods.
