Deputy PM Assures UN Chief of Pakistan’s Continued Engagement for Regional Peace

May 27, 2026 at 5:40 PM
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has assured United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres of Pakistan’s continued commitment to engagement and dialogue aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.

During the meeting, Dar praised the UN chief’s steadfast commitment to the UN and multilateralism and also appreciated for his “continued support and strong cooperation” with Pakistan, a Foreign Office statement said on Wednesday.

Ishaq Dar is visiting New York to attend the signature event organized by China under its Presidency of the Security Council.

“The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister appreciated the Secretary-General’s principled position and support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts,” the statement said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s successful hosting of the talks between US and Iran in April, describing them as a significant diplomatic achievement that contributed to easing regional tensions.

He noted that the ceasefire facilitated through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts had continued to hold, underscoring the importance of sustained engagement and dialogue in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to upholding the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter, emphasising the country’s continued support for promoting international peace and security through constructive cooperation at the United Nations.

During the discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed Secretary-General António Guterres’s UN80 Initiative and praised his leadership in advancing reform efforts within the global body.

He stressed that the concerns and priorities of developing nations must remain at the centre of the reform agenda while also highlighting the need to strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms, peaceful dispute resolution, peacekeeping operations, and peace building initiatives in line with changing global challenges and realities.

“Reiterating Pakistan’s longstanding position on Security Council reform, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister emphasised the need for a comprehensive reform process based on the principles of sovereign equality, transparency and broad-based consensus among Member States,” the statement said.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in South Asia, where Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed concern over “provocative and inflammatory statements” by India, saying such rhetoric undermines regional peace and stability.

Dar further stated that India’s unilateral decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance constitutes a “clear violation of international law, the provisions of the treaty, and established norms governing relations between states.” He emphasised the importance of respecting international agreements in order to preserve regional stability and trust.

On the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position that the dispute remains the “core issue” between Pakistan and India, adding that its “just and peaceful resolution” is essential for lasting peace in South Asia.

Turning to Afghanistan, the foreign minister said that a “peaceful and stable” Afghanistan is vital for regional stability, while also voicing concern over the presence of terrorist elements operating from Afghan territory. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its national security and protecting its citizens in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

The discussion also covered the situation in Palestine, where Dar appreciated the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’s continued advocacy for a two-state solution and support for the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

According to the Foreign Office, Secretary-General Guterres, in turn, acknowledged Pakistan’s active engagement at the United Nations and commended its continued contributions to international peace and security, particularly through diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts.

A day earlier, Dar addressed a United Nations Security Council debate chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the UN headquarters in New York, where he called for sustained diplomatic engagement in the ongoing US-Iran tensions and highlighted Pakistan’s role in efforts to reduce escalation between Tehran and Washington.

Dar holds meetings with counterparts

Separately, Dar also held a meeting with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Office said.

“The two leaders reaffirmed the strong fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bahrain and discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and economic sectors,” FO said in a post on X.

The top diplomats also discussed “regional developments and cooperation at multilateral forums, including the UN,” the statement said.

“Both sides agreed to further strengthen the Pakistan–Bahrain partnership across diverse fields, including as fellow elected members of the UNSC,” the FO further stated.

Dar also met Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, FO said.

The two laeders discussed “regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan–Cuba relations and exploring new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation”.

In a meeting with his Czech counterpart, Petr Macinka, the two leaders highlighted the “growing momentum” in bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the Czech Republic,” FO said.

“DPM/FM highlighted the potential for further expansion of cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, science and technology, education and people-to-people contacts,” the statement added.

The foreign minister also met his counterpart from Portugal. Matters of mutual concern, including bilateral relations, regional developments, and cooperation at multilateral forums, including at the UN, were discussed between the two.

“The Portuguese Minister expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s mediation efforts in West Asia. They also exchanged views on the Palestinian issue,” said the post on X by the foreign ministry.

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