Islamabad, October 6, 2026 – The Europe Today: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday commended Pakistan’s leadership in creating conditions for dialogue between the United States and Iran, saying Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts helped facilitate the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and a framework for future negotiations.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, the UN chief said Pakistan’s efforts had played a pivotal role in promoting dialogue and mediating the conflict.
“Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” Guterres said, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy at a time of growing international tensions.
The secretary-general said his visit to Islamabad was also aimed at delivering a clear message to all parties to end conflict and return to diplomacy, while calling for the restoration of navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law.
He stressed that lasting peace in the region could not be achieved without realizing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, noting that Pakistan had long championed this principle.
Guterres also praised Pakistan’s contribution to the United Nations Security Council during its two-year elected membership, saying the country had highlighted the importance of multilateralism, dialogue, mediation and diplomacy at a time of increasing division and mistrust.
He described Pakistan as one of the world’s longstanding and largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, paying tribute to Pakistani peacekeepers who had served in some of the most challenging and dangerous environments.
“More than 180 brave Pakistani souls gave their lives in the service of peace,” he said, adding, “We honour their sacrifice.”
The UN secretary-general particularly appreciated Pakistan’s leadership, alongside Denmark, in promoting Security Council Resolution 2823, aimed at strengthening accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. He noted that 153 countries had co-sponsored the resolution, making it the most widely co-sponsored Security Council resolution in the organization’s history.
Guterres also acknowledged the immense suffering Pakistan had endured as a result of terrorism, reaffirming the United Nations’ solidarity with the country in confronting the threat.
He emphasized that addressing terrorism and legitimate security concerns was necessary, but said the strongest and most effective security could only be guaranteed through international law, human rights and the rule of law.
Guterres highlights Pakistan’s climate vulnerability
The UN chief recalled his previous visit to Pakistan following the catastrophic floods of 2022, saying he would never forget the devastation he witnessed.
At the same time, he said he had also witnessed the resilience, determination and solidarity of the Pakistani people.
Guterres described Pakistan as being on the front lines of climate change despite contributing only a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions. He also recognized Pakistan’s role in the global climate response, including its leadership in establishing the loss and damage fund and its efforts toward a clean energy transition.
He stressed, however, that vulnerable developing countries could not shoulder the burden alone, calling on developed countries to drastically reduce emissions during the current decade.
“The principle of common, differentiated responsibilities must apply, but all countries must do their part,” he said.
Guterres urged developed countries to honour their commitments, including those agreed at COP29 in Baku, and provide developing countries with the necessary climate finance, technology and support to strengthen resilience and accelerate a just transition.
Concluding his remarks, the UN secretary-general said Pakistan faced numerous challenges but its resilience and determination to build a better future had consistently impressed him.
“I am here to further strengthen our partnership and to reaffirm a simple message: the United Nations stands with the people of Pakistan and we thank the Pakistani people for standing up for the world,” he said.
Dar highlights Pakistan-UN partnership
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar thanked Guterres for his leadership and principled commitment to multilateralism, international law, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Dar described Guterres as “a great friend of Pakistan” and recalled his solidarity with the Pakistani people during the devastating 2022 floods, as well as his efforts to mobilize international support for recovery and reconstruction.
The foreign minister said his bilateral meeting with Guterres had been “very useful and productive,” with the two sides holding an extensive and candid exchange of views on a broad range of issues concerning Pakistan, the United Nations and prevailing global challenges.
The discussions covered international and regional peace and security, West Asia and the Middle East, Palestine, South Asia, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, terrorism, the future of UN peacekeeping, sustainable development, climate change and the future of multilateralism.
Dar said Pakistan, as an elected member of the UN Security Council, had sought to make meaningful contributions to international peace and security, with particular emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He cited Pakistan’s initiative leading to Security Council Resolution 2788 on strengthening multilateralism and mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes, saying its unanimous adoption reaffirmed the importance of negotiation, mediation and preventive diplomacy.
Dar expressed appreciation for Guterres’ engagement in the follow-up to the resolution, including his participation in and presentation of recommendations during the open debate held in July.
The foreign minister also welcomed the secretary-general’s readiness to use his good offices in situations where dialogue and diplomacy could help reduce tensions and create space for peaceful solutions.
He said Pakistan particularly valued Guterres’ support for Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the Gulf region.
“Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue is consistent with our broader approach at the United Nations, which is to promote cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over conflict, and peaceful settlement over the use of force,” Dar said.
Pakistan raises Kashmir, Indus Waters Treaty and Afghanistan
Dar said Pakistan appreciated the secretary-general’s continued attention to issues of particular importance to the country, including regional peace and stability, counter-terrorism, climate vulnerability and development challenges.
He specifically referred to the UN’s consistent position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The foreign minister also briefed Guterres on India’s unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, describing the move as a violation of international law and calling for India to fulfil its obligations under the treaty.
Dar also conveyed Pakistan’s deep concern over the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks against Pakistan, expressing hope that the UN secretary-general’s office and the international community would help address the issue.
He reiterated Pakistan’s belief that the United Nations must remain at the centre of international efforts to address global challenges and that diplomacy should be given every opportunity to succeed.
Dar also highlighted the importance of Guterres’ initiatives to strengthen the multilateral system, including the Pact for the Future adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024.
He said Pakistan supported efforts to strengthen the UN’s ability to fulfil its core mandates while ensuring that the priorities and concerns of developing countries remained central.
“Pakistan will continue to work closely with the United Nations and with Member States to advance this objective,” he said.
Dar concluded by commending Guterres for his leadership and contribution to strengthening the United Nations during a particularly challenging period for the international community.
Dar, Guterres discuss regional and global issues
Earlier, Dar met Guterres at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad at the beginning of the UN chief’s official visit to Pakistan.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting covered regional and global issues relating to peace and security, including Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.
Dar briefed Guterres on Pakistan’s positions concerning Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, reaffirming Islamabad’s call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The deputy prime minister 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.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving disputes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations as well as its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.
The UN secretary-general was warmly received by Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the start of his official visit to Pakistan.
