Guterres hails Pakistan’s role in peacekeeping, diplomacy during meetings with PM, CDF Munir

PM Shehbaz tells UN chief dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes

Outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the UN and international peace and security, particularly its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.

The appreciation came during separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during Guterres’s three-day visit to Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister welcomed Guterres at the Prime Minister's House and lauded his principled commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism, international law, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, this evening.

The Prime Minister lauded the Secretary-General for his principled commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism,… pic.twitter.com/iQWtdSgrlK

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 7, 2026

Acknowledging the secretary general’s contribution to international peace and security during his tenure, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to an effective, inclusive and representative UN, particularly at a time when multilateralism faced significant challenges.

The statement said PM Shehbaz welcomed the secretary general’s UN80 Initiative and emphasised that UN reform should remain responsive to the priorities of developing countries while strengthening conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping and its continued contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security.

The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its mediation role between the United States and Iran.

“Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes and preventing escalation,” PM Shehbaz stressed, while reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Prime Minister' House, today. The Secretary General is on an official visit to Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/hyaw4jqihw

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 7, 2026

He also emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Highlighting the Indus Waters Treaty, which was unilaterally suspended by India following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Premier called it a binding international agreement. "India’s unilateral decision to place it in abeyance has no legal basis," he said.

During the meeting, the prime minister expressed serious concern over terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil.

“A peaceful and stable Afghanistan remains in Pakistan’s interest,” he said, emphasising the need for concrete and verifiable action against such terrorist groups.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

He also underscored the need for greater access to affordable and concessional financing for developing countries to advance development and climate resilience.

Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to the UN and to international peace and security, including its significant role in UN peacekeeping and its constructive engagement in the Security Council.

He particularly appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation, and welcomed its continued commitment to multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Later, the prime minister hosted a dinner in honour of the UN secretary general and his delegation.

Earlier, Guterres also met CDF Munir and praised Pakistan’s efforts towards the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts during a meeting.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Guterres met CDF Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the two exchanged views on “matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment and the United Nations’ role in promoting international peace and security”.

“Guterres paid tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of Pakistan and its Armed Forces in the war against terror and in UN peacekeeping missions. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s continued commitment to international peace and security, specifically appreciating Pakistan’s efforts towards the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts,” the statement said.

The ISPR further stated that CDF Munir and Guterres exchanged views on regional stability, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, India's abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty, and terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

"The CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and highlighted its contributions to UN peacekeeping missions," the statement said, adding that CDF Munir "also lauded the United Nations’ role under the leadership of Guterres, in advancing peace, stability and humanitarian cooperation."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at GHQ, Rawalpindi, ISPR says. Discussions covered regional security, Jammu and Kashmir, India’s abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty and terrorism emanating… pic.twitter.com/Fx6qB0ssqM

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) October 7, 2026

Guterres, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday, held a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, commending Pakistan’s leadership “in helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the United States and Iran and mediating the conflict.”

The outgoing UN chief stated, “Your efforts helped deliver the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the subsequent ceasefire, and the framework for future negotiations,” adding that “every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role.”

Guterres also said that Islamabad's contribution "has been on full display as a member of the UN Security Council these past two years.” He noted further, “At a time of growing division and mistrust around the world, Pakistan put a spotlight on the value of multilateralism, dialogue, mediation, and diplomacy. Those same values are vital within societies as well.”

Read: Guterres calls for stronger UN, global cooperation

Regarding terrorism, the secretary-general had said in his address alongside FM Dar that Pakistan had “endured immense suffering,” noting that “thousands of people lost their lives” and reaffirming that the UN stood with Islamabad “in confronting this threat of terrorism.”

According to Guterres, “Pakistan faces challenges, as all nations do,” however, he said what always stood out to him “is the resilience of the Pakistani people and their determination to build a better future.”

Prior to the press conference, the secretary-general and FM Dar discussed regional and global issues relating to peace and security. The discussions covered Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.

FM Dar briefed Guterres on Pakistan’s positions on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty while also highlighting Islamabad's diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its facilitation of the Islamabad Talks between the US and Iran.