United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday lauded Pakistan’s “pivotal role” in mediating between the United States and Iran as he called on the parties to end the conflict and return to diplomacy.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he said: “Pakistan’s spirit of engagement is front and centre on issues of international peace and security.

“I salute Pakistan’s leadership for helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict. Your efforts helped deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations. Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” he said.

“And from Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: end the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights in accordance with international law. There will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is recognised, as Pakistan has long championed,” he said.

At the outset of his speech, the UN chief said that it was “wonderful to be back in Pakistan”.

“I am in the closing months of my tenure as UN secretary general. Before that, I served ten years as UN high commissioner for refugees,” he said.

“Pakistan has shown that, even in difficult circumstances, perhaps especially in difficult circumstances, compassion and responsibility must go hand-in-hand,” he said.

He asserted that Pakistan mattered not only because of its size, but because it brought an “essential perspective” to global debates.

“For decades, Pakistan opened its doors to millions of Afghans fleeing conflict and instability. Communities around this country shared whatever they had with people seeking protection and safety,” Guterres said.

He added that the UN was committed to working together with the country to uphold protection principles and ensure that returns of Afghans “proceed in a voluntary, safe and dignified way”.

According to the UN chief, Pakistan had put a spotlight on the value of multilateralism, dialogue, mediation and diplomacy at a time of growing division and mistrust around the world.

“Those same values are vital within societies as well,” he stated.

“Here and around the world, we know that inclusive institutions, respect for human rights, and a vibrant civic space are necessary to help strengthen social cohesion, build trust and enable people to contribute fully to their country’s future.”

Guterres also appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping.

“Pakistani women and men have served with courage and distinction in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments,” he said.

“More than 180 brave Pakistani souls gave their lives in the service of peace. We honour their sacrifice.”

The chief highlighted Pakistan’s leadership with Denmark on UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2823, which strengthened accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.

One hundred and fifty-three countries co-sponsored the resolution, which according to Guterres, was the largest number of co-sponsors for a UNSC resolution in UN history.

The UN chief also shared his plans to visit United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) later in the day to pay tribute to the mission and to peacekeepers worldwide.

Commenting on terrorism in the country, he said: “Pakistan has endured immense suffering. Thousands of people lost their lives. Families and communities across the country continue to bear scars. We stand with Pakistan in confronting this threat of terrorism.”

He added that addressing terrorism and legitimate security concerns was necessary and indispensable.

“Experience shows that the strongest and most effective security responses are those grounded in international law, human rights and the rule of law.”

Towards the end of his speech, Guterres spoke about the climate crisis.

“My last visit to Pakistan came during the catastrophic floods of 2022. I will never forget the utter devastation I saw,” he said, referring to the unprecedented floods four years ago that affected approximately 33 million people and claimed the lives of 1,700 people.

“But I also saw the resilience, determination and solidarity of the Pakistani people,” Guterres said. “Pakistan is on the frontlines of climate chaos despite contributing only a tiny fraction of global emissions.”

He appreciated Pakistan’s response to the crises, including establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund and the country’s growing clean energy transition.

However, he asserted that leadership from vulnerable developing countries cannot substitute for responsibility from developed countries.

“The G20 represents 80 per cent of global emissions. We need a drastic reduction in those emissions this decade,” he highlighted.

“The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must apply, but all countries must do their part,” he said.

Dar meets UN chief

Earlier in the day, Dar held a meeting with the UN chief, with the two discussing regional and global issues relating to peace and security, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The FO said the discussions covered Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.

Dar briefed the UN secretary general on Pakistan’s positions on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reaffirming Islamabad’s call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions.

According to the FO, Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its facilitation of the Islamabad talks between the US and Iran. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means of resolving disputes.

The UN secretary general appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the UN, as well as its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation, the FO said.

Guterres arrived in Islamabad in the early hours of Tuesday for a two-day official visit.

“Upon arrival, the secretary-general was received by Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir,” the FO said in a post on X.

The visit comes as Guterres’ 10-year tenure as UN chief is set to end on Dec 31. During the visit, Guterres is set to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the FO said on Monday.

The UN chief is also scheduled to visit the headquarters of the UNMOGIP and attend a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters.

In its Monday statement, the FO said that during Guterres’ visit, Pakistan’s “efforts towards strengthening multilateralism and international peace and security, as well as its strides towards disaster preparedness and early warning, will be highlighted”.

PM Shehbaz met Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last month. The two discussed major regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.

In that meeting, Guterres commended Pakistan’s role and strong voice at the UN, as well as its contribution to international peace and security. The UN chief also appreciated Pakistan’s role and sacrifices in countering terrorism.

Guterres’ first visit to Pakistan as the UN secretary general was in February 2020, about three years after he was elected to the position in 2016.