UN chief lauds Pakistan’s ‘pivotal role’ in US-Iran mediation
Ishaq Dar highlights Kashmir dispute, India’s IWT move and terrorism concerns during talks with Guterres
Islamabad: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has lauded Pakistan’s “pivotal role” in mediating between the United States and Iran as he called on the parties to end the conflict and return to diplomacy.
According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he said: “Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is front and centre on issues of international peace and security.”
Guterres arrived in Islamabad in the early hours of Tuesday for a two-day official visit. The visit comes as Guterres’ 10-year tenure as UN chief is set to end on Dec 31.
“I salute Pakistan’s leadership for helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict. Your efforts helped deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations. Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” he said.
“And from Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: end the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights in accordance with international law. There will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is recognised, as Pakistan has long championed,” he said.
“Pakistan has shown that, even in difficult circumstances, perhaps especially in difficult circumstances, compassion and responsibility must go hand-in-hand,” he said. He asserted that Pakistan mattered not only because of its size, but because it brought an “essential perspective” to global debates.
“For decades, Pakistan opened its doors to millions of Afghans fleeing conflict and instability. Communities around this country shared whatever they had with people seeking protection and safety,” Guterres said.
The UN chief said Pakistan had put a spotlight on the value of multilateralism, dialogue, mediation and diplomacy at a time of growing division and mistrust around the world.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping. “Pakistani women and men have served with courage and distinction in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments,” he said. “More than 180 brave Pakistani souls gave their lives in the service of peace. We honour their sacrifice,” he added.
Commenting on terrorism in the country, he said: “Pakistan has endured immense suffering. Thousands of people lost their lives. Families and communities across the country continue to bear scars. We stand with Pakistan in confronting this threat of terrorism.” He added that addressing terrorism and legitimate security concerns was necessary and indispensable.
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar said he “greatly appreciated” Guterres’ visit, which he asserted was a reflection of the “long-standing and close cooperation” between Pakistan and the UN. “It also shows our common resolve to strengthen multilateralism and our cooperation at a time of profound global challenges,” he said.
“We have consistently sought to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN charter, advance international peace and security, contribute to peacekeeping and strengthen multilateral solutions to global challenges.”
He further appreciated the UN chief’s “continued attention” to issues of particular importance to Pakistan, including regional peace and stability, counter-terrorism, climate vulnerability and development challenges. “We also greatly appreciate the UN’s consistent position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the reiteration of the UN framework and UNSC resolutions for resolving the dispute,” he said.
Dar said he briefed the UN chief on India’s unilateral move of holding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, which he referred to as a blatant violation of international law. “We underscored the need to ensure that India stops weaponising water and fulfils its obligations under the IWT.”
He also highlighted Pakistan’s “deep concern” at the continued use of Afghan soil for carrying out terrorist attacks against Pakistan. He urged the UN chief and the international community to help address these challenges.
Dar meets UN chief
Earlier in the day, Dar held a one-on-one meeting with the UN chief, with the two discussing regional and global issues relating to peace and security, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The FO said the discussions covered Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.
Dar briefed the UN secretary general on Pakistan’s positions on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reaffirming Islamabad’s call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions.
