ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and contributions to promoting regional peace and security.
The UN chief said this during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, according to the Foreign Office.
Antonio Guterres expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “constructive and principled role” in diplomacy.
Ishaq Dar appreciated the Secretary-General’s leadership in advancing the UN’s role in addressing global challenges and promoting effective multilateralism.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres @antonioguterres on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Summit in Bishkek today.
The DPM/FM appreciated the Secretary-General’s leadership in… pic.twitter.com/dcmVPkk0GB
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 1, 2026
He reaffirmed Islamabad’s strong commitment to the UN and underscored the close and longstanding Pakistan–UN partnership.
The two sides exchanged views on regional developments, preparations for the upcoming UNGA, and ongoing work at the UN Security Council.
Ishaq Dar also extended an invitation to the Secretary-General to visit Pakistan, which he accepted. The Foreign Office will coordinate with the UN Secretariat to finalise the dates for the visit.
Pakistan assumes SCO chairmanship
Earlier, Pakistan formally assumed the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for the upcoming year, taking responsibility for steering the regional bloc toward greater cooperation and shared development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X on Tuesday, said that the country will conduct its SCO chairmanship under the theme Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the Kyrgyz Republic on successfully hosting the SCO Summit and praised its leadership in steering the organisation.
Pakistan stresses implementation of Islamabad MoU
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in an exchange with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Bishkek, reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement.
Deputy PM Dar underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential to promoting peace and stability in the region, and that sincere implementation by both parties to the conflict of the Islamabad MoU of June 2026 remains the only way forward.
Islamabad MoU framework for peace
Under the Islamabad MoU, the US and Iran committed to halt military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and negotiate a comprehensive agreement covering Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions and a permanent ceasefire within 60 days.
Pakistan and Qatar are mediating between Tehran and Washington under the framework of the Islamabad MoU to permanently end the conflict.
Also Read: Qatar Urges US, Iran to Resume Talks Under Islamabad MoU Framework
Pakistan is mediating talks between Iran and the United States after helping secure a ceasefire on April 8 and hosting high-level talks between the two sides in Islamabad on April 12 and 13.
Islamabad and Doha later co-mediated the first round of high-level talks in Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 21. The meeting was attended by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
