Pakistan Waging Global War Against Terrorism, Naqvi Tells UN Chief

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday that Pakistan was waging what he described as a global war against terrorism, stressing the need for greater international cooperation to confront militant groups operating from the region and address threats to international peace and security.

Regional security discussed

Naqvi made the remarks during a meeting with Guterres on the final day of the UN chief's two-day visit to Pakistan. The two sides discussed regional and international developments, global peace and security, and Pakistan's continuing contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also attended the meeting.

During the discussion, Naqvi said around 25 terrorist organisations were operating in Afghanistan and argued that their presence posed a wider threat to global peace and security. He called for the international community to work collectively to address the threat, emphasising that terrorism remained an issue requiring coordinated international efforts.

Pakistan's peacekeeping record

Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to UN peacekeeping operations and noted that Pakistani personnel were serving in various UN missions, including within the UN police. He said 181 Pakistani personnel had lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions, highlighting the sacrifices made by the country in support of international peace efforts.

Guterres acknowledged Pakistan's longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping and described the country's participation as prominent. He also commended Pakistan's broader contribution to efforts aimed at promoting international peace.

Following the meeting, Guterres concluded his two-day visit to Pakistan. The Foreign Office described the trip as an important opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United Nations and said it demonstrated Pakistan's continued support for multilateralism and international cooperation.

Meetings with national leadership

During his stay, the UN secretary-general held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

In his earlier meeting with Guterres, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. He also briefed the UN chief on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts concerning regional peace and stability and raised Islamabad's concerns over what it described as India's violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and international law.

Dar reiterated Pakistan's position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved peacefully and justly. He also highlighted Pakistan's support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination and statehood. The two sides additionally discussed Afghanistan, counterterrorism, sustainable development, climate change and the future of multilateral cooperation.

President Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz on Guterres in recognition of his international service and contribution to global peace and development.

Disaster preparedness and diplomacy

During his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, Guterres discussed regional and international issues and commended Pakistan's longstanding contribution to the United Nations, particularly its role in peacekeeping and its efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and international cooperation.

The UN chief was also briefed by the National Disaster Management Authority on Pakistan's progress in disaster preparedness and early warning systems. Addressing a special session at the Foreign Service Academy, Guterres reflected on his longstanding association with Pakistan and praised the resilience, generosity and solidarity of the Pakistani people.

Guterres first visited Pakistan as UN secretary-general in February 2020, around three years after taking office. His current term as UN secretary-general is scheduled to conclude on December 31.