Guterres in Pakistan

Pakistan's diplomatic contributions to global peace and security have been highly eulogised. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on a farewell visit to Islamabad as he relinquishes his high office, commended the country's "pivotal role" in mediating between the US and Iran, and called on both parties to end the conflict and return to diplomacy. The tribute was unparalleled, as the world body chief went on to term the Islamabad MoU a "frame for future negotiations" while expressing hope that better sense would prevail to save the world from another impending catastrophe.

Guterres lauded Pakistan's unflinching support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and its role at the vanguard of the struggle against colonialism. He highlighted the broadened perspective the country brought to the august forum by championing multilateralism, noting that as an ardent proponent of UN reform, Pakistan has firmly opposed both the addition of permanent members to the UNSC and the retention of the veto power. Beyond these institutional stances, the country spearheaded the unanimous adoption of a landmark resolution against Islamophobia, successfully establishing an official commemorative day on the UN calendar. The top diplomat further commended Pakistan's humanitarian efforts in hosting millions of Afghan refugees while paying tribute to the deep sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers serving under the UN Blue Helmets in global conflict zones. Finally, he praised the critical diplomatic initiative that culminated in the adoption of Resolution 2788, a Pakistan-sponsored framework dedicated to strengthening multilateral mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Pakistan believes in collective wisdom at the world fora, and has opposed interventions and wars. By underscoring the importance of negotiation, mediation and preventive diplomacy, Islamabad has buoyed the role of the UN. As the world slips into a terrain of no-rules-based world order, it's time for the UN to assert its writ and work on the manifesto of making the planet a better place to live in by eradicating poverty, hunger and transgression of power-intoxicated states.