UN Chief António Guterres Awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz in Islamabad
At a glance
- UN Chief António Guterres awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz by President Zardari.
- Guterres is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan.
- He has praised Pakistan's role in global diplomacy and peacekeeping.
Story so far
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan. During his trip, he has met with top Pakistani leadership, praised the country's role in global diplomacy, including mediating between the US and Iran, and its long-standing support for Afghan refugees. He has also commended Pakistan's contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and its resilience following the 2022 floods.
Latest development
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civilian award, on UN Secretary-General António Guterres at a ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday. The award recognizes his contributions to international peace and diplomacy.
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President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civilian award, upon United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday. The ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.
The award was bestowed in recognition of Mr. Guterres's contributions to international services, diplomatic efforts, and his commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the UN chief on the honour.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mr. Guterres expressed his profound gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan, stating he accepted the award on behalf of all UN staff. He also paid tribute to Pakistan's resilience in confronting terrorism and the role of its personnel in UN peacekeeping missions.
During his visit to Pakistan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the country for its role in mediating between the United States and Iran. In a speech, Mr. Guterres said Pakistan's leadership helped create the conditions for dialogue.
"Your efforts helped deliver the 17th June Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations," he stated. He added that every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role.
The Secretary-General also commended Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades and reiterated the UN's commitment to ensuring any returns are voluntary, safe, and dignified. He also noted Pakistan's long-standing support for the self-determination of the Palestinian people.
During a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on October 6, visiting UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Pakistan's significant and long-standing contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Mr. Guterres paid tribute to the more than 180 Pakistani peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of peace. He specifically thanked Pakistan for its leadership, along with Denmark, on UN Security Council Resolution 2823, which strengthens accountability for crimes against peacekeepers and was co-sponsored by a record 156 countries.
The Secretary-General also spoke on the climate crisis, recalling the devastation of the 2022 floods in Pakistan. He commended Pakistan's leadership in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund but stressed that this cannot substitute for the responsibility of developed countries to address climate change. He also reiterated the UN's solidarity with Pakistan in confronting the threat of terrorism.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, currently on a three-day visit to Pakistan, arrived at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on Tuesday where he was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
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اقوام متحدہ کے سیکرٹری جنرل انتونیو گوتریس اسلام آباد پہنچ گئے
اقوام متحدہ کے سیکرٹری جنرل انتونیو گوتریس اسلام آباد پہنچ گئے۔
Hamare peacekeepers ki qurbaniyon ko tasleem karna bohat zaroori hai. Yeh Pakistan ke aalmi ta’awun ki insani qeemat ki yaad dehani hai.
The focus on disaster preparedness is very welcome. I hope the discussions also cover community-based initiatives and how to better integrate local volunteers into the national framework.
That’s a great point. High-level strategy is one thing, but effective local implementation is another. I wonder if this visit will lead to a clearer roadmap for channeling international support to on-the-ground teams.
Ye ek ahem visit hai. Pakistan ka regional diplomacy mein kirdar, jaisa ke report kiya gaya hai, bohat zaroori hai. Umeed hai is se mustehkam ta’alluqat ko farogh milega.
It is good to see disaster preparedness and early warning systems on the agenda. These are practical areas where international cooperation can yield very tangible benefits for our people.
Bilkul, Waseem sahib. The NDMA briefing is a key part of this visit. Kya is visit se hamare early warning systems ke liye koi specific technical upgrades ya training opportunities milne ki umeed hai?