DPM Dar, UN chief discuss regional, global peace and security issues

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Islamabad on Tuesday, 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.