ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in recognition of his distinguished international service, leadership of the United Nations (UN) and contribution to global peace and development.
The award, first to any UN Secretary General by Pakistan, was conferred in a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday, which was also attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Speaker of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Cabinet, members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic corps.
Earlier, during a meeting with the UNSG, the President appreciated his principled leadership of the United Nations, his efforts for international peace, dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as his constructive engagement with Pakistan and attention to the concerns of developing countries.
The President said Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. He appreciated the UN Secretary General’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution and said Pakistan would continue supporting efforts towards implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The President reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in South Asia, stressing that durable peace requires sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India as equal neighbours and resolution of all outstanding disputes, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, as agreed under the UN resolutions respecting the sentiments of the Kashmiri people.
He also conveyed Pakistan’s position that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement and cannot be unilaterally suspended or placed in abeyance. He stressed that water should not be used as a weapon and an instrument of political pressure and that Pakistan’s water rights under water treaty, recognized by international courts, under the treaty must be respected.
Discussing regional peace and diplomacy, President Zardari said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, including the Islamabad Talks, had been guided by the imperative of de-escalation, dialogue and protection of human life. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate diplomacy wherever it could be helpful, stressing that there is no alternative to dialogue for addressing regional disputes.
On counter-terrorism and Afghanistan, the President said Pakistan remains a committed partner in the global fight against terrorism and has made enormous sacrifices in this cause. He said Pakistan continues to face terrorism from groups operating from Afghan territory and has shared evidence concerning external support to terrorist proxies targeting Pakistan. He stressed that Afghan territory must not be used against Pakistan or any other country.
The President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and regional cooperation while safeguarding its people and territory in accordance with international law.
The President highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, noting that more than 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers had served in 48 UN missions across the world. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to UN peacekeeping as a vital instrument for maintaining international peace and security.
He appreciated the Secretary-General’s leadership of the UN80 Initiative and supported efforts to make the United Nations more efficient, coherent and effective. He stressed that reform must safeguard the interests of developing countries, accelerate sustainable development and strengthen conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peace-building.
He expressed the hope that the next Secretary-General would carry forward the reform process while preserving the UN’s central role in peace, development and international cooperation.
On climate change, President Zardari said that for highly climate-vulnerable developing countries such as Pakistan, climate change poses an existential challenge. He called for stronger international action on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance.
Pakistan, he said, supports the democratisation of the United Nations Security Council and opposes the induction or expansion of unelected membership in the Council. It supports greater representation through elected, non-permanent members with equitable geographical representation.
The President appreciated Secretary-General Guterres’s personal solidarity following the devastating 2022 floods, including his visit to the affected areas and efforts to mobilise international assistance and facilitate the Geneva pledging process.
The President noted that the post-flood reconstruction effort had included the construction of 2.1 million climate-resilient homes, with ownership vested in women members of beneficiary households, describing the initiative as an important model linking climate resilience, reconstruction and women’s economic empowerment.
The UN Secretary-General said, “Through the years, I have seen the hospitality of the Pakistani people as you provided refuge to millions. I have seen your solidarity and resilience as you confront the brutality of terrorism. I know the real Pakistan because I have seen the real Pakistan. And so, as I thank you for the award you bestow on the United Nations and me. I want to also thank you for what you have given to the world.”
From the UN side, during the meeting, Secretary-General António Guterres, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary Di Carlo and Resident Coordinator a.i. Pernille Ironside were also present.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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