UN Chief Guterres Concludes Pakistan Visit with Security Talks

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Islamabad on Wednesday, October 07, 2026. The meeting at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi was part of a two-day official visit that also included talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.

Discussions centred on regional flashpoints including Kashmir, Indus Waters Treaty, and Afghanistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations stated that the meeting covered matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment, and the UN’s role in promoting international peace and security. In his meeting with Guterres, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the need for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He described the Indus Waters Treaty as a binding international agreement, asserting that India’s unilateral move to hold it in abeyance has no legal basis. Sharif also voiced serious concern over terrorist groups and terrorism emanating from Afghan territory. He stressed the need for concrete and verifiable actions against them, while noting that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest.

Pakistan’s diplomatic mediation between US and Iran highlighted as key contribution

Both Pakistani leadership and Guterres acknowledged Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. The Prime Minister's Office said: "The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its mediation role between the US and Iran." Sharif stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable way to resolve disputes and prevent escalation. Speaking at a joint press interaction with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Guterres praised Pakistan's 'key role' in facilitating this dialogue. He called on the United States and Iran to end their conflict and return to diplomacy.

UN chief recognises Pakistan’s peacekeeping contributions and calls for reforms

Guterres praised Pakistan’s long-standing service in UN peacekeeping and supported Islamabad’s push for an inclusive, representative UN. Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and highlighted the country’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. Guterres paid tribute to Pakistan's sacrifices and contributions in the war against terror and its UN peacekeeping operations. Prime Minister Sharif showed the need for greater access to affordable and concessional financing for developing countries to tackle development and climate challenges. He welcomed Guterres's UN80 Initiative, emphasizing that UN reforms should respond to the priorities of developing countries while strengthening conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.

Visit showed by official statements and ceremonial honours amid broad alignment

The series of meetings culminated in a state dinner and the conferral of Pakistan's highest civil award on the UN chief. President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz on Antonio Guterres for his distinguished international service, UN leadership, and contribution to global peace and development. In their meeting, Zardari appreciated Guterres's principled leadership and efforts for international peace and dialogue. Prime Minister Sharif lauded the Secretary-General for his commitment to the UN Charter and multilateralism. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an effective, inclusive, and representative UN at a time of global strain on multilateral institutions. Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood, backing the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803. Guterres concluded his two-day official visit to Islamabad after holding this series of high-level meetings focusing on regional security, multilateralism, peacekeeping, and diplomatic conflict resolution.