President Zardari says Islamabad MoU paved way for peace

President Asif Ali Zardari has said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) created a route towards reducing tensions and finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict between Iran and the United States.

He made the remarks in a message on Monday to mark the International Day of Peace, observed globally on September 21.

Zardari said Pakistan remained involved in diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining dialogue and promoting lasting peace in the region and beyond.

He said high-level talks held later in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, had taken the diplomatic process forward by focusing on the implementation of the Islamabad MoU.

The president said lasting peace could not be achieved without dialogue, diplomacy, justice and respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and security. He also called for a strong and inclusive multilateral system with the United Nations at its centre.

Zardari said Pakistan supported the peaceful resolution of disputes. He stressed the importance of preventing conflicts and resolving existing crises through dialogue, diplomatic engagement and collective international action.

The president also highlighted Pakistan’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions. He said Pakistani peacekeepers had served in different parts of the world for decades, helping protect civilians and support communities affected by conflict.

He paid tribute to Pakistani peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag and said Pakistan would continue supporting international peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

Zardari said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to help end the Iran-US conflict had received international recognition.

He also referred to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788, which was unanimously adopted during Pakistan’s presidency of the Security Council last year. He described the resolution as an important reaffirmation of the council’s commitment to strengthening peaceful mechanisms for resolving disputes.

The president maintained that lasting peace was impossible when people were denied their right to self-determination or when UN Security Council resolutions remained unimplemented.

He specifically referred to the situations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and the occupied Palestinian territories.

This year’s International Day of Peace carries the theme “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. Zardari said the theme highlighted the need for continuous efforts to build and preserve peace.

He urged the international community to uphold the UN Charter, respect international law and work towards fair and lasting solutions to conflicts through peaceful means.