Pakistan’s ‘pivotal role’ in US-Iran conflict, UN chief calls for ‘return to diplomacy’

ISLAMABAD, Oct 7: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday lauded Pakistan’s “pivotal role” in mediating between the United States and Iran as he called on the parties to end the conflict and return to diplomacy.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he said: “Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is front and centre on issues of international peace and security.

“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,” he said.

“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.

At the outset of his speech, the UN chief said that it was “wonderful to be back in Pakistan”.

“I am in the closing months of my tenure as UN secretary general. Before that, I served ten years as UN high commissioner for refugees,” he said.

“Pakistan has shown that, even in difficult circumstances, perhaps especially in difficult circumstances, compassion and responsibility must go hand-in-hand,” he said.

He asserted that Pakistan mattered not only because of its size, but because it brought an “essential perspective” to global debates.

“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,” Guterres said.

He added that the UN was committed to working together with the country to uphold protection principles and ensure that returns of Afghans “proceed in a voluntary, safe and dignified way”.

According to the UN chief, Pakistan had put a spotlight on the value of multilateralism, dialogue, mediation and diplomacy at a time of growing division and mistrust around the world.

“Those same values are vital within societies as well,” he stated.

“Here and around the world, we know that inclusive institutions, respect for human rights, and a vibrant civic space are necessary to help strengthen social cohesion, build trust and enable people to contribute fully to their country’s future.”

Guterres also appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to United Nations 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.”

The chief highlighted Pakistan’s leadership with Denmark on UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2823, which strengthened accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.

One hundred and fifty-three countries co-sponsored the resolution, which according to Guterres, was the largest number of co-sponsors for a UNSC resolution in UN history.

The UN chief also shared his plans to visit United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) later in the day to pay tribute to the mission and to peacekeepers worldwide.

Commenting on terrorism in the country, he said: “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.”�"DAWN