Islamabad:UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to discuss issues of regional peace and security.

According to Anadolu Agency, Guterres acknowledged Pakistan's significant role as an elected member of the UN Security Council, particularly its efforts in mediating conflicts, including between the United States and Iran.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan's commitment to a more effective United Nations and advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve disputes. The discussions also covered Pakistan's mediation efforts, UN reform, peacekeeping, rights of the Kashmiri and Palestinian peoples, and the need for affordable financing for developing countries. Sharif highlighted the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan and the necessity for action against terrorist groups operating from its territory.

Guterres, in his address at the Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad, underscored the shared global challenges such as climate change, conflicts, inequality, and the impact of artificial intelligence. He remarked that a shift towards a multipolar world may not ensure stability, as evidenced by increasing conflicts and human suffering. He also addressed the situation in Gaza, advocating for the implementation of a peace plan and the preservation of a two-state solution.

Guterres warned about rising debt burdens, inadequate development financing, and stalled Sustainable Development Goals. He reaffirmed support for reforming the international financial architecture and described climate change as a "threat multiplier" impacting displacement, resource pressures, and food security. He called for inclusive governance of artificial intelligence to ensure its benefits and manage its risks.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also addressed the event, highlighting the importance of upholding the UN Charter, focusing on diplomacy in international relations, addressing emerging security technologies, and strengthening the UN's role. He stressed the need for sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and adherence to treaty obligations and Security Council resolutions, emphasizing the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as critical challenges.