By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres concluded a three-day official visit to Pakistan on Thursday after holding talks with the country’s political and military leadership on regional security, Kashmir, Afghanistan, climate change and the future of multilateralism.

Guterres visited Pakistan from Oct. 6 to 8 and held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

During his meeting with Dar on Oct. 6, the Pakistani foreign minister reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

Dar also raised the long-running Kashmir dispute, reiterating Pakistan’s call for a resolution in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and what Islamabad described as the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He also briefed Guterres on India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling the move a violation of international law.

India announced the suspension of the 1960 treaty after an April 2025 militant attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. New Delhi has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, an allegation Islamabad denies.

Pakistan has repeatedly warned that any attempt to restrict its access to water under the treaty would have serious consequences.

Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination and statehood.

The two sides discussed regional and international peace and security, including Afghanistan and counterterrorism, as well as sustainable development, climate change and the future of the multilateral system.

Guterres has consistently called for peaceful solutions to conflicts and stronger international cooperation to address global challenges.

Guterres met President Zardari on Oct. 6, after which he was presented with Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, during a special investiture ceremony at the Presidency.

The award recognized his international service and contributions to global peace and development, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The UN chief also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Oct. 7 to discuss regional and international issues.

During his visit, Guterres visited the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Islamabad.

Pakistan has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations for decades, deploying military and police personnel to missions in several conflict zones.

The UN chief also visited the National Disaster Management Authority, where officials briefed him on Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems.

Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including floods, heatwaves and droughts. The country suffered catastrophic flooding in 2022 that affected millions of people and caused billions of dollars in economic losses.

The Foreign Ministry said Guterres praised Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations, including its significant role in peacekeeping and its efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and international cooperation.

On Oct. 7, the secretary-general also addressed a special session at Pakistan’s Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad on “Strengthening Multilateralism in a Changing World: Geopolitics and the Role of the United Nations.”

In his address, Guterres reflected on his longstanding association with Pakistan, including his two decades of service with the United Nations and his tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

He highlighted what he described as the generosity, resilience and solidarity of the Pakistani people.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said the visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm Islamabad’s partnership with the United Nations and exchange views on major regional and international developments.

It also reiterated Pakistan’s support for multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core, and its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter.