UN Chief Acknowledges Pakistan’s Contributions to Global Peace

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres during the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with discussions covering international security, regional tensions and Pakistan's role in multilateral diplomacy. According to accounts of the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and other challenges affecting international peace and stability.

Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the UN system and the principles of the UN Charter, presenting multilateral cooperation as central to addressing conflicts and development challenges. He also stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in efforts to reduce regional tensions, while reiterating Islamabad's stated support for peaceful conflict resolution.

The meeting also addressed the Palestinian issue. Shehbaz restated Pakistan's support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, while discussing the wider Middle East situation with the secretary-general. These positions form part of Pakistan's established diplomatic agenda at the General Assembly, where regional security and the continuing Middle East crisis remain prominent issues.

Pakistan's concerns regarding Afghanistan were also raised. The prime minister conveyed Islamabad's position that militant violence affecting Pakistan has increasingly been linked to actors operating from Afghan territory. That allegation remains Pakistan's stated assessment; Afghan authorities have previously disputed Pakistani claims that their territory is being permitted to serve as a base for attacks across the border.

Shehbaz additionally raised concerns about Islamophobia and called for stronger international action to address religious hatred and discrimination. The issue has been a recurring part of Pakistan's engagement at multilateral forums, where its representatives have sought broader cooperation on measures aimed at countering intolerance while maintaining protections for freedom of expression and fundamental rights.

According to the accounts released after the meeting, Guterres acknowledged Pakistan's participation at the United Nations, its contributions to international peace and security and its sacrifices in counterterrorism. He also referred positively to Pakistan's diplomatic and mediation efforts aimed at supporting peaceful solutions to regional conflicts. Pakistan has a long record of participation in UN peacekeeping missions, making peacekeeping and multilateral security cooperation an important element of its international profile.

The talks come as Pakistan seeks to keep diplomacy, regional security and economic stability at the centre of its UNGA engagements. The government's meetings in New York have included discussions with foreign leaders, international institutions and business representatives, reflecting an agenda spanning conflict resolution, investment, climate policy and multilateral cooperation.

The next steps are expected to involve continued diplomatic engagements during the General Assembly session and follow-up contacts on regional security and international cooperation. For Pakistan, the meeting offers an opportunity to reinforce its positions at the UN while seeking international support for diplomatic approaches to conflicts affecting South Asia and the wider Middle East.