‘Rich history and vibrant culture’: UN secretary general concludes first trip to Pakistan

In his farewell tweet, the UN supremo thanked Pakistan for the hospitality he was shown during his 4-day visit.
Published February 19, 2020

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who arrived in the capital on Sunday, spent three busy days in Islamabad and Lahore.

On the first day of his visit, Guterres gave a special talk on climate change in Islamabad. He also met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi, President Arif Alvi and various other members of the government.

Read more: UN chief calls for implementation of Kashmir resolutions

On Monday, Guterres spent his day at the Refugee Summit in Islamabad, here he spoke highly of Pakistan's commitment to the Afghan cause and said that Pakistan's hospitality towards Afghan refugees over the past 40 years has been remarkable.

On the same day, the UN secretary general also met with Prime Minister Imran Khan and expressed his concern for the Kashmir cause.

Starting his engagements in Lahore on Tuesday, Guterres administered polio drops to children at a kindergarten in Lahore’s DHA.

He then interacted with students’ representatives at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

Later in the day, the UN chief visited the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in the Kartarpur, before returning to Lahore see Badshahi mosque and Shahi Qila in the evening.

Also read: Pakistan's transformation from terrorism to tourism 'absolutely remarkable', says UN chief

To end his official engagements, Guterres was hosted at Shahi Kitchen by Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres with President Arif Alvi after their meeting. — APP
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres with President Arif Alvi after their meeting. — APP

Guterres's main engagement was the Refugee Summit in Islamabad. The event marked 40 years of Pakistan hosting millions of Afghan refugees. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
Guterres's main engagement was the Refugee Summit in Islamabad. The event marked 40 years of Pakistan hosting millions of Afghan refugees. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter

The UN chief also met with Prime Minister Imran Khan at his office. — APP
The UN chief also met with Prime Minister Imran Khan at his office. — APP

The UN Chief also met Mahira Khan in her capacity as Pakistan's UNHCR goodwill ambassador. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
The UN Chief also met Mahira Khan in her capacity as Pakistan's UNHCR goodwill ambassador. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter

"I was honoured to visit Pakistan’s newly opened Kartarpur Corridor - a corridor of hope, connecting two key Sikh pilgrimage sites.  This is a welcome symbol of interfaith harmony," Guterres said about his visit to the Kartarpur corridor. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
"I was honoured to visit Pakistan’s newly opened Kartarpur Corridor - a corridor of hope, connecting two key Sikh pilgrimage sites. This is a welcome symbol of interfaith harmony," Guterres said about his visit to the Kartarpur corridor. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter

Guterres pays his respects during a visit to the Sikh Shrine of Baba Guru Nanak Dev. — AFP
Guterres pays his respects during a visit to the Sikh Shrine of Baba Guru Nanak Dev. — AFP

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres eats at the soup kitchen at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. — Photo courtesy: UN chief's Twitter
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres eats at the soup kitchen at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. — Photo courtesy: UN chief's Twitter

The UN chief gave a special talk on climate change in Islamabad. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
The UN chief gave a special talk on climate change in Islamabad. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter

Guterres also visited the Lahore fort and Badshahi Mosque on his last day in Pakistan. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
Guterres also visited the Lahore fort and Badshahi Mosque on his last day in Pakistan. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
Guterres in a decked out rickshaw at the Lahore Fort. — APP
Guterres in a decked out rickshaw at the Lahore Fort. — APP

"I am closely following vital peace efforts in Afghanistan to reduce violence, especially against civilians," the UN chief said while addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.— Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
"I am closely following vital peace efforts in Afghanistan to reduce violence, especially against civilians," the UN chief said while addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.— Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter

"Important gains have been made, but we need a concerted push to eradicate Polio," Guterres said while taking part in Pakistan's first nationwide polio eradication campaign of the year. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
"Important gains have been made, but we need a concerted push to eradicate Polio," Guterres said while taking part in Pakistan's first nationwide polio eradication campaign of the year. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also spoke at Lums on the role of youth in the world. — APP
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also spoke at Lums on the role of youth in the world. — APP

"It was inspiring to meet some of the brave women and men who are #ServingForPeace around the world. Thank you for your service and sacrifice," the UN chief Tweeted after meeting female members of Pakistan's UN peace keeping team. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter
"It was inspiring to meet some of the brave women and men who are #ServingForPeace around the world. Thank you for your service and sacrifice," the UN chief Tweeted after meeting female members of Pakistan's UN peace keeping team. — Photo courtesy: Guterres's Twitter

UN Secretary General Guterres spoke about the coronavirus in a meeting with The Associated Press, in Lahore. He said that the coronavirus outbreak that began in China "is not out of control but it is a very dangerous situation." — The Associated Press
UN Secretary General Guterres spoke about the coronavirus in a meeting with The Associated Press, in Lahore. He said that the coronavirus outbreak that began in China "is not out of control but it is a very dangerous situation." — The Associated Press

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at dinner with Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Uzdar. — APP
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at dinner with Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Uzdar. — APP