PM Shehbaz, UN Chief Guterres Discuss Regional and Global Peace
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, with the two discussing regional and global security challenges, the Middle East, Palestine, terrorism and other international issues.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and emphasised what he described as the UN’s central role in advancing international peace and development.
Shehbaz also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, while praising Guterres’ leadership and his advocacy for international cooperation.
According to the Pakistani account of the meeting, the two sides held a wide-ranging exchange on major regional and international challenges, with particular attention to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
Shehbaz Calls for Dialogue and Diplomacy
The prime minister stressed that dialogue and diplomacy should remain the path towards resolving regional conflicts, reiterating Pakistan’s stated commitment to de-escalation and sustainable peace.
The position is consistent with Pakistan’s recent diplomatic activity during the UNGA session. A day earlier, Shehbaz met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and called for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement amid regional tensions.
Pakistan has sought to position its diplomatic efforts around negotiated settlements as tensions involving Iran and other regional actors remain elevated.
Shehbaz’s wider UNGA agenda was expected to focus on the changing regional and global security environment, dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, according to the programme announced ahead of his New York visit.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Statehood
During his meeting with Guterres, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent state, according to the official Pakistani account.
The Middle East featured prominently in the discussion, reflecting the wider diplomatic focus of this year’s UN General Assembly session.
Pakistan has maintained its established position in favour of Palestinian statehood and has repeatedly called for disputes in the region to be addressed through international law and diplomacy.
Afghanistan and Terrorism Discussed
The situation in Afghanistan was also discussed.
According to the Pakistani account, Shehbaz raised concerns over what Islamabad describes as the growing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan territory.
That claim remains disputed by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities, which have repeatedly rejected Pakistani allegations that Afghan territory is being permitted to serve as a base for attacks against Pakistan.
The issue has gained particular significance amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul and recent cross-border security incidents.
Shehbaz also raised the issue of Islamophobia, calling for stronger international action to address what Pakistan describes as a growing global problem.
Guterres Praises Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role
According to Pakistan’s account of the meeting, Guterres acknowledged the country’s role at the United Nations and its contributions to international peace and security.
The UN secretary-general also praised Pakistan’s efforts towards the peaceful resolution of disputes, regional stability and counterterrorism, Express Urdu reported.
These remarks are reported through the Pakistani account of the meeting; the material reviewed for this article did not include a separate detailed UN readout quoting Guterres on every point.
The meeting forms part of an intensive diplomatic schedule for Shehbaz during the 81st UNGA session. He has held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, EU leaders and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, among others, with regional peace and diplomacy recurring across several meetings.
The prime minister is also scheduled to present Pakistan’s position on regional and global developments during his UN General Assembly address on September 25.
