United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived in Islamabad for a two-day official visit to Pakistan from October 6 to 8, following an invitation from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The UN chief was received upon arrival by Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
During his visit, Guterres is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. His engagements are expected to focus on regional and international developments, multilateral cooperation, international peace and security, and Pakistan’s role at the United Nations.
Guterres will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). He is scheduled to receive a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters, highlighting Pakistan’s efforts in disaster preparedness, early warning systems and climate-related resilience.
The visit comes as António Guterres approaches the end of his 10-year tenure as UN secretary-general, which is scheduled to conclude on December 31. His latest visit provides an opportunity to strengthen Pakistan-UN relations and discuss important regional and global issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously met Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where they discussed major international and regional developments, including the situation in the Middle East. Guterres also praised Pakistan’s role at the United Nations and its contribution to international peace and security.
The UN secretary-general’s visit is his second official visit to Pakistan since assuming the UN’s top position. His first visit took place in February 2020.
Pakistan has also recently hosted candidates seeking to succeed Guterres as UN secretary-general. The visits highlight the country’s continued engagement with the United Nations and its role in discussions concerning international peace, security and multilateral cooperation.
UN Chief António Guterres Arrives in Pakistan for Two-Day Official Visit
