Guterres lauds Pakistan's role in US-Iran talks, urges return to diplomacy

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday praised Pakistan's role in efforts to ease tensions in West Asia, including its mediation between the US and Iran, and urged all sides to return to diplomacy. Speaking during his three-day official visit to Pakistan, Guterres also spoke about Afghanistan, terrorism, peacekeeping and climate challenges.

At a press conference with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Guterres said Pakistan brought an "essential perspective" to global debates. Dar, in turn, welcomed the UN chief's visit and said diplomacy must be given every opportunity to succeed in addressing regional and international challenges.

"I salute Pakistan's leadership for helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict. Your efforts helped deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations. Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role," Guterres said.

In June, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at bringing peace in West Asia, with Pakistan also signing the document as a "guarantor". But the negotiations collapsed in early July after renewed military strikes, amid mutual accusations of violating the agreement and a deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz, a Gulf chokepoint through which about a fifth of the world's energy supplies pass in peacetime.

Guterres urged all sides to return to talks. "And from Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: end the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights in accordance with international law. There will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is recognised, as Pakistan has long championed," he said.

The UN chief said Pakistan mattered not only because of its size, but because it brought an "essential perspective" to global debates. Referring to Afghan refugees, he said, "For decades, Pakistan opened its doors to millions of Afghans fleeing conflict and instability. Communities around this country shared whatever they had with people seeking protection and safety." He added that the UN was committed to ensuring that the Afghans' repatriation should proceed in a "voluntary, safe and dignified way".

Guterres also praised Pakistan's contribution to UN peacekeeping. "Pakistani women and men have served with courage and distinction in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments," he said. "More than 180 brave Pakistani souls gave their lives in the service of peace. We honour their sacrifice." He also said he would later visit the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan to pay tribute to the mission and to peacekeepers worldwide.

He also referred to Pakistan's suffering due to terrorism. "Pakistan has endured immense suffering. Thousands of people lost their lives. Families and communities across the country continue to bear scars. We stand with Pakistan in confronting this threat of terrorism," he said, adding that addressing terrorism and legitimate security concerns was necessary. Guterres also spoke about the climate crisis and the floods of 2022 that devastated Pakistan.

Dar described Guterres as a "great friend" of Pakistan and said the country valued the Secretary-General's "readiness" to extend his good offices in situations where dialogue and diplomacy could help reduce tensions and create space for peaceful solutions. "Pakistan believes that the UN must remain at the centre of international efforts to address these challenges and that diplomacy must be given every opportunity to succeed," he said.

He also appreciated the UN chief's "continued attention" to issues of particular importance to Pakistan, including regional peace and stability, counter-terrorism, climate vulnerability and development challenges. Dar further highlighted Pakistan's "deep concern" over the continued use of Afghan soil for carrying out terrorist attacks against Pakistan and urged the UN chief and the wider world to help address the issue. The visit and the press conference centred on Pakistan's diplomatic role, regional peace, the fight against terrorism, support for Afghans and cooperation with the UN.

With PTI Inputs

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