Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The accolade was conferred in recognition of Guterres’s international service, leadership of the United Nations, and contributions to global peace and development.
According to Radio Pakistan, this marks the first time the award has been presented to any UN Secretary-General. The ceremony, held in Islamabad, was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, members of the Federal Cabinet, lawmakers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
In discussions with the UN Secretary-General, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in South Asia, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve outstanding disputes, particularly the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlighted the importance of the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that it is a binding international agreement and should not be used as a political tool.
The President also addressed regional peace efforts, counter-terrorism, and the situation in Afghanistan, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation in accordance with international law. He emphasized Pakistan’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, with over 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers having participated in 48 missions globally.
Moreover, President Zardari expressed support for the UN80 Initiative led by Secretary-General Guterres and called for reforms in the United Nations to better serve developing countries and enhance sustainable development. On climate change, he advocated for stronger international action and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the democratization of the United Nations Security Council.
Secretary-General Guterres, acknowledging the honor, praised Pakistan’s hospitality and resilience, particularly in light of the 2022 floods and its efforts in providing refuge to millions.