UN chief praises Pakistan’s role in US-Iran talks, calls trust ‘important’

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, saying the trust placed in Islamabad by both sides reflected Pakistan’s credibility.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Guterres said it was “remarkable” that both the US and Iran had accepted Pakistan as a mediator, describing their confidence in Islamabad as important.

“Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is frontal centre on issues of international peace and security. I salute Pakistan’s leadership in helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict,” he said.

He said Pakistan had a special role at the United Nations and continued to contribute to global discussions while upholding the values of multilateralism and dialogue.

Guterres also praised Pakistan’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, saying Pakistani men and women had demonstrated courage while serving in them. He noted that Pakistan itself faced challenges from terrorism but continued to make significant contributions to international peace.

The UN chief acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate the dignified return of Afghan refugees and praised the role of the Pakistani leadership in the US-Iran dispute.

“Disputes could be resolved through negotiations and dialogue,” Guterres said, adding that his office remained available to support efforts to resolve conflicts.

On Palestine, he said lasting peace was not possible without the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He called for the immediate implementation of the Gaza peace plan and an end to the suffering of Palestinians.

Guterres said the international community should not forget Palestine amid the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf. He also condemned the attacks of October 7 and stressed the need to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.

On climate change, the UN chief said a small number of countries accounted for a large share of global emissions and stressed the need to reduce harmful emissions.

Guterres said the United Nations stood with the people of Pakistan and expressed pleasure at returning to the country. His previous visit came in 2022, following the devastating floods that affected large parts of Pakistan.

He also questioned the rationale for Africa’s limited representation on the UN Security Council.

Speaking alongside Guterres, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said the global situation was “extremely complex”, citing challenges involving Iran, the United States, the Houthis and the Bab el-Mandeb.

Dar said the UN had adopted resolutions on several international disputes, but the key issue was their implementation. He cited the Kashmir dispute as an example, saying UN resolutions on the issue had not been implemented.

He said Pakistan had immediately condemned Israel’s attack on Iran and urged Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to exercise restraint.

Dar called for a clear mechanism to ensure implementation of UN resolutions, saying a system of consequences and incentives was also needed to ensure effective compliance with international decisions.

DPM Dar, UN chief discuss global peace, security issues

DPM Dar earlier held a meeting with UN chief Guterres in Islamabad, wherein the two discussed regional and global issues related to peace and security, including Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar briefed Guterres on Pakistan’s positions on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, while reaffirming Islamabad’s call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its facilitation of the Islamabad talks between the United States and Iran.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving disputes, the Foreign Office said.

Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations and its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.

The UN secretary-general arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day official visit to Pakistan from October 6 to 8 at the invitation of Dar.

Guterres was received by Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the start of his visit. He is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir as well.

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

The FO said the visiting dignitary’s other engagements will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism and international peace and security, as well as its progress in disaster preparedness and early-warning systems.