Guterres to discuss regional, international issues during Pakistan visit starting tomorrow

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Pakistan from October 6 to 8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office said on Monday.

During his three-day visit, Guterres will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the FO said.

The UN chief will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and receive a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The Foreign Office said the visit would provide an opportunity to discuss regional and international developments and highlight Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism, international peace and security, disaster preparedness and early-warning systems.

Guterres left New York for Islamabad on Sunday night. According to an APP report quoting UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief is expected to discuss Pakistan’s mediatory role in the US conflict with Iran and its “constructive role” in supporting negotiations between the two countries.

Dujarric said Pakistan had over the years used its diplomacy and mediation to bring parties together and had contributed to the international community through its participation in UN peacekeeping efforts.

The UN secretary-general has also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East conflict, which led to a memorandum of understanding establishing a ceasefire, according to APP.

During his visit, Guterres is expected to see progress made by Pakistan in strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience since the devastating 2022 monsoon floods. He visited Pakistan in 2022 as part of a solidarity visit following the floods.

His visit to UNMOGIP headquarters will also provide an opportunity to discuss the UN mission’s role in monitoring the Line of Control in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir, according to APP.

The Foreign Office said the visit would reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the United Nations and its support for multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Guterres, who is due to complete his second five-year term as UN secretary-general at the end of 2026, is expected to return to New York on Thursday.