Pakistan reaffirms commitment to multilateralism, UN role in global peace

Mettis Global reported, citing a press release, that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York on the margins of the 81st UN General Assembly session. During the meeting, the Prime Minister restated Pakistan's firm backing for the United Nations as the central body for advancing international peace and development. He also praised the Secretary-General's principled work in upholding the UN Charter across the organisation.

The two leaders discussed major regional and international developments, including the Middle East, and Sharif stressed dialogue and diplomacy as the way to ease regional tensions. He affirmed Pakistan's position that Palestinians are entitled to self-determination and statehood. He also flagged the growing trend of Islamophobia around Pakistan's neighbourhood and urged global measures to curb it.

Afghanistan was also on the agenda, with Sharif highlighting a sharp increase in terrorism originating from Afghan territory. Guterres praised Pakistan's standing and influential voice within the UN system, as well as its role in global peace and security. He also welcomed Pakistan's mediation efforts and its sacrifices in fighting terrorism.