UN chief meets PM Sharif, Field Marshal Munir, discusses international peace efforts

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, on Wednesday, where they discussed regional security and international peace efforts.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting covered matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment and the United Nations’ role in promoting international peace and security.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional stability, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, India’s abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty and terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, the military’s media wing said.

Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and highlighted the country’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

He also appreciated the UN’s role under Secretary-General Guterres in advancing peace, stability and humanitarian cooperation.

Guterres paid tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of Pakistan and its armed forces in the war against terrorism and UN peacekeeping missions.

The UN secretary-general also acknowledged Pakistan’s continued commitment to international peace and security and appreciated its efforts towards the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

UN chief meets PM Shehbaz

Later, the UN chief called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received UN chief at his office.

The prime minister praised Guterres for his commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and credited him with a significant contribution to global peace and security during his tenure.

Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an effective, inclusive and representative UN at a time when multilateralism is under strain.

He welcomed the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative and said reform of the world body should reflect the priorities of developing countries while strengthening conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

He also restated Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping missions.

The prime minister briefed Guterres on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue and de-escalation, including its role as a mediator between the United States and Iran.

He said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable way to resolve disputes and prevent escalation.

On regional issues, Shehbaz called for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He described the Indus Waters Treaty as a binding international agreement and said India’s unilateral move to hold it in abeyance has no legal basis.

He said a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest. He also voiced serious concern over terrorism originating from Afghan soil and the presence of militant groups there, and called for concrete and verifiable action against them.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood. He also backed implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

He also stressed the need for developing countries to have wider access to affordable, concessional financing to support development and climate resilience.

Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s long-standing contribution to the UN and to international peace and security, citing its role in UN peacekeeping and its constructive engagement in the Security Council. He commended Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation, and welcomed its continued commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter.

The prime minister later hosted a dinner in honour of the Secretary-General and his delegation.