ISLAMABAD: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, saying Islamabad’s standing with both sides helped open a path to negotiations and de-escalation.
Speaking at a joint press briefing with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Guterres described Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative in the Gulf conflict as significant. He said the country’s credibility had helped support the June 17 Islamabad memorandum of understanding, a subsequent ceasefire and a framework for further talks.
Dar said Pakistan had helped bring Washington and Tehran into direct dialogue for the first time in 47 years. He described the effort as grounded in sovereignty, non-interference and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Guterres urged the parties to end hostilities, return to diplomacy and respect freedom of navigation under international law. He also cautioned against allowing the wars in Ukraine and the Gulf to divert attention from Palestinians. Calling the destruction in Gaza unprecedented during his tenure, he pressed for an end to the suffering and implementation of the peace plan. He said a lasting settlement required Palestinian self-determination and two states living side by side.
Dar said Pakistan had joined seven Arab and Muslim countries in discussions with US President Donald Trump focused on peace in Gaza, which he said contributed to a 20-point peace plan. He also raised Pakistan’s concerns over Jammu and Kashmir and called for implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. On the Indus Waters Treaty, he urged India to resume its obligations and warned against using water as a political weapon.
The deputy prime minister also voiced concern about militant attacks in Pakistan that he said were being carried out using Afghan territory. Guterres recognised Pakistan’s security concerns, while stressing that counterterrorism measures must comply with international law and human rights.
The UN chief praised Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees over many years and said the UN would work with Islamabad to ensure any returns were voluntary, safe and dignified. He also paid tribute to Pakistani UN peacekeepers, saying more than 180 had died while serving on missions. Guterres highlighted Pakistan and Denmark’s role in advancing Security Council Resolution 2823 on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.
Both officials called for changes to global institutions. Guterres said the Security Council did not reflect today’s world, pointing to Africa’s lack of permanent representation and divisions among the five permanent members. Dar called for reform of international financial institutions, arguing that the post-Second World War system no longer matched current realities.
Guterres also noted Pakistan’s exposure to climate risks, recalling the devastating 2022 floods. Although the country contributes only a small share of global emissions, he said, it remains highly vulnerable. He called on major emitters to cut emissions and urged developed countries to provide climate finance, technology and other support to vulnerable nations.
