ISLAMABAD, OCT 6: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day official visit focused on regional and international developments, multilateral cooperation, peace and security, and Pakistan’s disaster preparedness initiatives.
Guterres is visiting Pakistan from October 6 to 8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He was received upon arrival by Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Muni, marking the beginning of a series of high-level engagements with Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and security leadership.
During the visit, the UN Secretary-General is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. The discussions are expected to cover key regional and international developments and broader issues concerning international peace and security.
A significant component of Guterres’ itinerary will be his engagement with the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). He will also visit Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where he is scheduled to receive a briefing on disaster preparedness and early-warning mechanisms.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the visit will provide an opportunity to highlight the country’s role in promoting multilateralism, international peace and security, while showcasing its efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and early-warning systems. Islamabad also intends to use the engagement to reaffirm its cooperation with the United Nations and its commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.
The visit comes against the backdrop of continuing regional and international challenges, giving the UN chief an opportunity to exchange views with Pakistan’s leadership on developments affecting peace, security and humanitarian concerns. His engagements are also expected to underline the UN’s role in facilitating international cooperation and dialogue.
The Foreign Office described Guterres’ visit as an opportunity to acknowledge his leadership and contributions to international peace and development, while reaffirming Pakistan’s stated support for a multilateral international system with the United Nations at its core.
Guterres’ three-day programme will include official meetings, institutional engagements and discussions on regional and global issues before the conclusion of his visit on October 8.
