ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for a more effective, inclusive and representative United Nations and reiterated Pakistan’s position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be resolved peacefully in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister made the remarks while welcoming United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, during a meeting here, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative and emphasized that reform of the United Nations should remain responsive to the priorities of developing countries, while strengthening conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping and its contribution to international peace and security.
The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its mediation role between the United States and Iran, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving disputes and preventing escalation.
On regional issues, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated the need for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He also emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty was a binding international agreement and maintained that India’s unilateral decision to place it in abeyance had no legal basis.
On Afghanistan, the prime minister said a peaceful and stable Afghanistan remained in Pakistan’s interest. He expressed serious concern over terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil, emphasizing the need for concrete and verifiable action against such groups.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood and its support for implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
He underscored the need for greater access to affordable and concessional financing for developing countries to advance development and strengthen climate resilience.
The prime minister lauded Secretary-General Guterres for his commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism, international law, dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes, and acknowledged his contribution to international peace and security during his tenure.
Secretary-General Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations and international peace and security, including its significant role in UN peacekeeping and constructive engagement in the Security Council.
He particularly appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation and welcomed its continued commitment to multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a dinner in honour of the UN Secretary-General and his delegation.