UN Secretary-General António Guterres says Pakistan’s credibility with opposing sides helped create conditions for negotiations and de-escalation.
WEB DESK: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has praised Pakistan’s role as a trusted mediator between the United States and Iran, saying Islamabad’s credibility with opposing sides helped create conditions for negotiations and de-escalation.
Speaking alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Tuesday, Guterres described Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative over the US-Iran conflict as “remarkable” and highlighted the importance of countries that can maintain the trust of rival parties.
Guterres said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts had contributed to the June 17 Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and a framework for future negotiations.
“Pakistan has been an extremely important example of mediation,” the UN chief said, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Role in US-Iran Diplomacy
Guterres said Pakistan’s position as a country trusted by opposing sides had been important in creating space for diplomatic engagement.
Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s efforts had helped bring the United States and Iran into direct dialogue after 47 years. He described Islamabad’s approach as being based on sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference, self-determination and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Pakistan has previously been described by UN officials as playing a constructive role in supporting dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Guterres travelled to Islamabad for a four-day visit focused partly on Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the conflict.
Guterres Calls for Return to Diplomacy
The UN secretary-general urged all sides to end the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law.
His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue to address the wider regional conflict and its consequences.
The UN chief also warned that international attention on the wars in Ukraine and the Gulf should not overshadow the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
He called for an end to Palestinian suffering and the implementation of the peace plan, while expressing concern over violence and settlement-related developments in the West Bank.
Pakistan Raises Regional Concerns
During the meeting, Dar also raised Pakistan’s concerns over Jammu and Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty and the continued use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.
Pakistan has urged the international community to address what it describes as violations of international law and to support peaceful solutions to regional disputes.
Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding security challenges and said legitimate security concerns must be addressed while ensuring that counterterrorism measures remain consistent with international law, human rights and the rule of law.
UN Praises Pakistan’s Peacekeeping Role
Guterres also paid tribute to Pakistan’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions.
He said more than 180 Pakistani peacekeepers had lost their lives while serving international peace and honoured their sacrifices. He also praised Pakistan and Denmark for their leadership on Security Council Resolution 2823, which strengthens accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.
The UN chief further called for reform of the Security Council and international financial institutions, arguing that existing global structures do not fully reflect current geopolitical realities.
Guterres is also expected to visit UN and disaster-management facilities during his Pakistan visit, with climate resilience and the country’s experience following the devastating 2022 floods among other issues on his agenda.
