UN Head Wraps Up 3-Day Official Trip to Pakistan

{ "articleTitle": "UN Secretary-General Guterres Departs Pakistan After Three-Day Visit", "articleDescription": "António Guterres concluded his official trip to Islamabad on Thursday, meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss regional security, the Kashmir dispute, and multilateral commitments.", "articleBody": "

Guterres Concludes Official Visit to Islamabad

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres departed Pakistan on Thursday, ending a three-day official visit that ran from October 6 to 8. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirmed the conclusion of the trip, noting that Islamabad reaffirmed its \"unwavering commitment to multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter\" during the engagements.

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In a statement posted on X, the MoFA described the visit as reflecting Pakistan's \"deep appreciation for the Secretary-General’s visionary leadership and his contributions to international peace and development.\" The Foreign Office further stated that Guterres held extensive meetings with Pakistan's leadership and senior officials throughout the duration of the visit.

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Meetings With Presidential and Prime Leadership

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Guterres began his visit on October 6 by calling on President Asif Ali Zardari. During this engagement, a special investiture ceremony was held where President Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz upon the UN secretary-general.

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A day prior to the presidential meeting, Guterres had called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders exchanged views on issues of regional and international importance, according to the Foreign Office.

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Discussions With Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

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On Tuesday, Guterres held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During this session, Dar reiterated Pakistan's call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

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Dar also briefed the Secretary-General on India's unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The Foreign Minister described this action as a \"blatant violation of international law.\" Additionally, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle for self-determination and statehood.

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Engagements on Security and Development

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Beyond diplomatic leadership meetings, Guterres engaged with senior security officials. He held discussions with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, as well as Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi.

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The Foreign Office reported that the two sides discussed regional and international peace and security. Specific topics included Afghanistan and counter-terrorism efforts. The dialogue also covered sustainable development, climate change, and the future of multilateralism.

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UNMOGIP Visit and Disaster Management Briefing

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During the trip, Guterres visited the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Islamabad. The Foreign Office stated that the Secretary-General commended Pakistan's longstanding contribution to the United Nations, highlighting its significant role in UN peacekeeping.

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Guterres also attended a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). During this session, officials highlighted Pakistan's progress in disaster preparedness and early warning systems.