Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, held talks with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on global and regional developments, peacekeeping operations and security challenges.
During the meeting, Naqvi said Pakistan was effectively fighting a “global war” against terrorism and called for greater international cooperation to address the growing threat.
He told the UN chief that 25 terrorist organisations were operating from Afghanistan and warned that their presence posed a threat to international peace and security.
“The international community needs to work together to tackle this threat,” Naqvi said.
The interior minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to UN peacekeeping missions and said Pakistani personnel were also serving in UN police operations.
He noted that 181 Pakistani personnel had lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions.
Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping, describing the country’s participation as “prominent”.
“Pakistan’s role in world peace is commendable,” the UN secretary-general said.
Following the meeting, Guterres concluded his two-day visit to Pakistan, which the Foreign Office said provided an important opportunity to reaffirm the country’s longstanding partnership with the United Nations.
The Foreign Office said the visit highlighted Pakistan’s continued support for multilateralism and international cooperation.
During his visit, Guterres met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
In a meeting with Guterres on Tuesday, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism and resolving international disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
He briefed the UN chief on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
Dar also raised India’s decision regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a violation of international law, and reiterated Pakistan’s call for a peaceful and just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The deputy prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination and statehood.
The two sides discussed regional and international peace and security, including developments in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism, as well as sustainable development, climate change and the future of multilateralism.
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz on Guterres on Tuesday in recognition of his international service and contribution to global peace and development.
The UN secretary-general later met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Guterres praised Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations, particularly its significant role in peacekeeping and its efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and international cooperation.
He was also briefed by the National Disaster Management Authority on Pakistan’s progress in disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
During a special talk at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday, Guterres reflected on his longstanding association with Pakistan and praised the generosity, resilience and solidarity of the Pakistani people.
Guterres first visited Pakistan as UN secretary-general in February 2020, around three years after being elected to the position in 2016.
His second and final five-year term as UN secretary-general is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026.
