President Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on UN chief António Guterres
Pakistan honours UN secretary-general for global peace, diplomacy and development efforts; first such award to a UN chief
ISLAMABAD: (News Pulse) President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred Pakistan’s prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in recognition of his distinguished international service, leadership of the world body and contributions to global peace and development.
The award, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours, was presented to Guterres at a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The honour marks the first time Pakistan has conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz on a serving or former UN secretary-general.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, members of the federal cabinet, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps attended the ceremony.
Earlier, during a meeting with Guterres, President Zardari appreciated what he described as the UN chief’s principled leadership and his efforts to promote international peace, dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The president also praised Guterres for his constructive engagement with Pakistan and his continued attention to the concerns of developing countries.
Discussing the situation in Palestine, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
He appreciated Guterres’ consistent advocacy for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution, saying Pakistan would continue supporting international efforts aimed at implementing relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
On South Asia, Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, stressing that durable peace required sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India as equal neighbours.
He said all outstanding disputes, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, should be resolved in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The president also conveyed Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a binding international agreement that could not be unilaterally suspended or placed in abeyance.
He stressed that water should not be used as a weapon or an instrument of political pressure and that Pakistan’s rights under the treaty, recognised by international courts, must be respected.
Discussing regional diplomacy, President Zardari said Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives, including the Islamabad Talks, had been guided by the need for de-escalation, dialogue and protection of human life.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate diplomatic efforts wherever it could contribute to peace, stressing that there was no alternative to dialogue for resolving regional disputes.
On counter-terrorism and Afghanistan, the president said Pakistan remained a committed partner in the global fight against terrorism and had made enormous sacrifices in combating the menace.
He said Pakistan continued to face terrorist threats from groups operating from Afghan territory and had shared evidence regarding external support for terrorist proxies targeting Pakistan.
Zardari stressed that Afghan territory must not be allowed to be used against Pakistan or any other country.
The president reaffirmed Pak
istan’s commitment to dialogue and regional cooperation while safeguarding its people and territory in accordance with international law.
Highlighting Pakistan’s contribution to UN peacekeeping, President Zardari said more than 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers had served in 48 UN missions around the world.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to UN peacekeeping, describing it as a vital instrument for maintaining international peace and security.
