ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conferred its prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, making him the first UN chief to receive the country’s high civil award in recognition of his distinguished international service, leadership of the world body and efforts for global peace and development.
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President confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on UN Secretary-General António Guterres
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in recognition of his distinguished international service, leadership of the United Nations and contribution to global peace and development.
The award, *first to any UN Secretary General by Pakistan*, was conferred in a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr this evening which was also attended by Prime Minister Muhammed Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Speaker of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Cabinet, members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic corps.
Earlier, during a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, the President appreciated his principled leadership of the United Nations, his efforts for international peace, dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as his constructive engagement with Pakistan and attention to the concerns of developing countries.
The President said Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. He appreciated the UN Secretary General’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution and said Pakistan would continue supporting efforts towards implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The President reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in South Asia, stressing that durable peace requires sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India as equal neighbours and resolution of all outstanding disputes, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, as agreed under the UN resolutions respecting the sentiments of the Kashmiri people.
The President also conveyed Pakistan’s position that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement and cannot be unilaterally suspended or placed in abeyance. He stressed that water should not be used as a weapon and an instrument of political pressure and that Pakistan’s water rights under water treaty, recognized by international courts, under the treaty must be respected.
Discussing regional peace and diplomacy, President Zardari said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, including the Islamabad Talks, had been guided by the imperative of de-escalation, dialogue and protection of human life. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate diplomacy wherever it could be helpful, stressing that there is no alternative to dialogue for addressing regional disputes.
On counter-terrorism and Afghanistan, the President said Pakistan remains a committed partner in the global fight against terrorism and has made enormous sacrifices in this cause. He said Pakistan continues to face terrorism from groups operating from Afghan territory and has shared evidence concerning external support to terrorist proxies targeting Pakistan. He stressed that Afghan territory must not be used against Pakistan or any other country.
The President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and regional cooperation while safeguarding its people and territory in accordance with international law.
The President highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, noting that more than 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers had served in 48 UN missions across the world. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to UN peacekeeping as a vital instrument for maintaining international peace and security.
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— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 6, 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari presented the award to Guterres at a special investiture ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday evening, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, members of the federal cabinet, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps.
Zardari stresses dialogue for regional peace
Earlier, during a meeting with the UN secretary-general, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in South Asia, stressing that durable peace between Pakistan and India requires sustained dialogue between the two equal neighbours.
He called for the resolution of all outstanding disputes, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The president also reiterated Pakistan’s position that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement that cannot be unilaterally suspended or placed in abeyance.
He stressed that water must not be used as a weapon or an instrument of political pressure and that Pakistan’s water rights under the treaty must be respected.
Pakistan reaffirms support for Palestine and UN peacekeeping
Discussing regional diplomacy, Zardari said Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives, including the Islamabad Talks, had focused on de-escalation, dialogue and the protection of human life.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to facilitate diplomatic efforts wherever possible, saying there was no alternative to dialogue for resolving regional disputes.
On Palestine, the president reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He appreciated Guterres’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution and reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping, noting that more than 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 UN missions around the world.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to UN peacekeeping as an important instrument for maintaining international peace and security.
@PresOfPakistan @AAliZardari held a meeting with @UNSecGenral @antonioguterres
President Zardari conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz on UNSG
@UNinPak @Asimiahmad @PakistanUN_NY
@UN_Spokesperson
@MIshaqDar50 https://t.co/0Fngp8TVWI— Shaukat Piracha (@ShaukatPiracha1) October 6, 2026
Pakistan raises terrorism, climate change and UN reform
On counter-terrorism and Afghanistan, President Zardari said Pakistan continued to face terrorism from groups operating from Afghan territory. He said Pakistan had shared evidence regarding external support for terrorist proxies targeting the country.
He stressed that Afghan territory must not be used against Pakistan or any other country.
The president also welcomed Guterres’s leadership of the UN80 Initiative, supporting efforts to make the United Nations more efficient, coherent and effective.
He said UN reforms must protect the interests of developing countries, accelerate sustainable development and strengthen conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
On climate change, Zardari called for stronger global action on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for democratising the UN Security Council, opposing the expansion of unelected membership and calling for greater representation through elected non-permanent members based on equitable geographical representation.
Read Also: UN Chief Appreciates Pakistan’s Contribution to International Peace, Dialogue and De-escalation
Guterres recalls Pakistan’s solidarity and resilience
President Zardari appreciated Guterres’s personal solidarity with Pakistan following the devastating 2022 floods, including his visit to affected areas, efforts to mobilise international assistance and role in facilitating the Geneva pledging process.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s spirit of hospitality, particularly its long-standing role in providing refuge to millions of people.
He also praised the resilience and solidarity he had witnessed in Pakistan as the country confronted terrorism.
