- Dar highlights Pakistan’s mediation efforts in meeting.
- Ceasefire faces strain after fresh US strikes.
- Pakistan reiterates support for Palestinian statehood.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar met Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres in New York on Wednesday as fresh US strikes on Tehran threatened an already fragile ceasefire.
Iran said on Tuesday the United States had violated a ceasefire by striking targets near the contested Strait of Hormuz, potentially complicating efforts, led by Pakistan, to bring the war to a close.
Further straining peace efforts, Israel pounded Lebanon with more than 120 air strikes in one of the heaviest days of bombing in weeks, Lebanese security sources said. Iran has sought an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon as part of any deal.
In a statement, the Foreign Office mentioned that Dar, who is visiting the US for the UN Security Council’s session, exchanged views on recent regional developments, including the situation in the Middle East and West Asia, with Guterres.
The deputy prime minister appreciated the secretary-general’s principled position and support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
He highlighted Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Islamabad Talks in April, which represented an important diplomatic breakthrough.
DPM Dar noted that the ceasefire initially facilitated through Pakistan’s efforts continued to hold, and reaffirmed support for continued engagement and dialogue to achieve durable peace and stability in the region.
The statement also mentioned that the foreign minister appreciated the secretary-general’s steadfast commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism, and acknowledged his continued support for and strong cooperation with Pakistan.
The DPM reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to upholding the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and advancing international peace and security through constructive engagement at the United Nations.
He welcomed the secretary-general’s UN80 Initiative and appreciated his leadership in this regard. He emphasised that the interests and priorities of developing countries should remain central to the reform agenda.
FM Dar also underlined the importance of strengthening conflict prevention, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in line with evolving global realities.
Reiterating Pakistan’s longstanding position on Security Council reform, the DPM emphasised the need for a comprehensive reform process based on the principles of sovereign equality, transparency, inclusivity, and broad-based consensus among Member States.
“These principles could only be upheld through the addition of elected members,” he added.
Discussing developments in South Asia, the FM expressed concern over provocative and inflammatory statements by the Indian leadership that undermine regional stability.
He underscored that India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance constituted a clear violation of international law, the Treaty’s provisions, and established norms governing inter-state relations.
He emphasised that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained the core issue between Pakistan and India and reiterated that its just resolution, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, was essential for lasting peace in South Asia.
The DPM underlined that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan remained vital for regional stability. He, however, expressed deep concern over the continued use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups against Pakistan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its national security and protect its citizens in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
On Palestine, the DPM reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle for self-determination and statehood. He appreciated the secretary-general’s continued advocacy for the two-state solution and the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan, as endorsed in Security Council Resolution 2803.
Secretary-General Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s active engagement at the United Nations and its continued contributions to international peace and security, including through diplomacy and UN peacekeeping efforts.
