President Zardari Confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz on UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s Nishan-i-Imtiaz, one of the country’s highest civil awards, on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in recognition of his distinguished international service, leadership of the United Nations and contribution to global peace and development.
The special investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr and was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, members of the Federal Cabinet and Parliament, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The award marks the first time Pakistan has conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz on a Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Earlier, during his meeting with Secretary-General Guterres, President Zardari appreciated his leadership of the United Nations and his efforts to promote international peace, dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also acknowledged Guterres’s constructive engagement with Pakistan and his attention to the concerns of developing countries.
The President highlighted Pakistan’s continued support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, while appreciating the UN Secretary-General’s advocacy for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution.
On South Asian peace and stability, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s position that durable peace requires sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India and the resolution of outstanding disputes, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement and stressed that water should not be used as a weapon or an instrument of political pressure.
Discussing regional peace and diplomacy, President Zardari said Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives, including the Islamabad Talks, had been guided by the principles of de-escalation, dialogue and protection of human life. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate diplomatic efforts wherever it could contribute to resolving regional disputes.
On counter-terrorism and Afghanistan, the President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the global fight against terrorism and said the country had made significant sacrifices in this regard. He stressed that Afghan territory must not be used against Pakistan or any other country.
President Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping, noting that more than 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 UN missions around the world. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to UN peacekeeping as an important instrument for maintaining international peace and security.
The President appreciated Secretary-General Guterres’s leadership of the UN80 Initiative and supported efforts to make the United Nations more efficient, coherent and effective. He stressed that UN reforms should safeguard the interests of developing countries while strengthening sustainable development, conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
On climate change, President Zardari called for stronger international action on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance, particularly for developing countries highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
He also appreciated Guterres’s solidarity with Pakistan following the devastating 2022 floods, including his visit to affected areas and efforts to mobilise international assistance and support the Geneva pledging process.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed gratitude for the honour and acknowledged the hospitality, solidarity and resilience of the Pakistani people. He said he had witnessed Pakistan’s role in providing refuge to millions and its resilience in confronting terrorism.
The UN Secretary-General is visiting Pakistan from October 6 to 8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. During his visit, he is also scheduled to meet other Pakistani leaders and visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
