ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday met with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and discussed international and regional issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
During a meeting at the United Nations Headquarters, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering and resolute commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the UN in addressing the most pressing global challenges, according to a press release issued by the Foreign Office.
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the United Nations’ role in conflict resolution, promoting sustainable development, and upholding the fundamental rights of people worldwide.
The UN Secretary General welcomed Pakistan’s active participation and initiatives at the Security Council.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised Pakistan’s strong adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, particularly the pursuit of peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Dar noted that the high-level debate on multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes, along with the meeting on UN-OIC cooperation—both held under Pakistan’s Presidency of the UN Security Council this month—demonstrate the country’s dedication to multilateralism and the promotion of global peace.
Ishaq Dar highlighted issues of critical national and regional importance to Pakistan, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), and externally sponsored terrorism in Pakistan.
He stressed the imperative of a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council.
Dar lauded the Secretary-General’s leadership and sincere efforts for de-escalation of recent tensions between Pakistan and India.
“The DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinian statehood, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and firm opposition to Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank,” the statement said.
Ishaq and the UNSG also exchanged views on the need for promoting concessional financing to support development and climate goals, especially for the developing countries, mobilising enhanced international support for debt relief and liquidity solutions for the Global South.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the Secretary-General’s “UN80” initiative offered a critical opportunity to strengthen the three pillars of the United Nations to promote international peace and security, sustainable development and human rights worldwide.
“The DPM/FM welcomed the appointment of a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia and expressed readiness to support global efforts to combat religious intolerance,” it said.
Ishaq Dar meets President of UN General Assembly
Later, Deputy Prime Minister also held a meeting with President of the UN General Assembly, Philémon Yang, in New York, the Foreign Office stated in a press release.
During the meeting, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and the leading role of the UN in international affairs. He called for strengthening global governance and reforming the UN in a manner that meets the expectations of the entire international community.
The Deputy PM and the President of the UN General Assembly exchange views on a wide range of issues, including the situation in the Middle East, developments in Iran, Afghanistan and the wider region. They also discussed other key matters on the agenda of the United Nations, including the promotion of sustainable development, the Foreign Office press release stated.
Ishaq Dar commended the President of the UN General Assembly’s leadership in advancing the Pact for the Future and the UN80 Initiative, emphasising the need for synergy between these efforts to ensure a more effective, inclusive and responsive UN that is well placed to meet the challenges of our times.
The issue of UN Security Council reform, including the need to make the Council more democratic and effective, also came under discussion, the Foreign Office press release stated.
India’s aggressive posturing
The Deputy PM expressed his serious concerns over India’s “aggressive posturing, disinformation campaigns, and violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT),” which threaten regional peace and stability, the Foreign Office stated.
He called for urgent international attention to India’s actions, including its illegal measures in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its “support of terrorism against Pakistan through its proxies”.
He further underscored the need for a peaceful resolution of all disputes between Pakistan and India through dialogue, in accordance with international law, the UNSC resolutions and the UN Charter.
The President of the UN General Assembly affirmed his commitment to advancing peace, development, and inclusivity within the framework of the General Assembly.
He outlined his vision for promoting effective multilateralism and centrality of the United Nations to serve all humanity.
