Summary
- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived in Islamabad for a four-day visit focused on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
- UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres had long recognised Pakistan’s contribution to international diplomacy and its efforts to bring conflicting parties together through dialogue.
- Guterres has also called for a renewed focus on dialogue following the breakdown of the ceasefire, stressing the need for diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived in Islamabad for a four-day visit focused on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Guterres is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of the government and is expected to discuss Islamabad’s mediation efforts and its role in supporting negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
During his stay, the UN chief will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior officials.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres had long recognised Pakistan’s contribution to international diplomacy and its efforts to bring conflicting parties together through dialogue.
The UN chief has repeatedly praised Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement during the Middle East crisis. Islamabad’s efforts contributed to an understanding that paved the way for a ceasefire between the parties.
Guterres has also called for a renewed focus on dialogue following the breakdown of the ceasefire, stressing the need for diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
During his visit, Guterres will also review Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and resilience. He is scheduled to visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and observe measures taken since the devastating floods of 2022.
The UN secretary-general is also expected to visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Islamabad. The mission monitors developments along the Line of Control in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.
Guterres previously visited Pakistan in 2022 following the catastrophic monsoon floods. His visit at the time was aimed at expressing solidarity with flood-affected communities.
The UN chief is scheduled to return to New York on Thursday. He is due to complete his second five-year term as secretary-general at the end of 2026.
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