United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Islamabad on October 6 for an official visit running through October 8, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Guterres travelled at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Acting Foreign Secretary Nabeel Munir received him on arrival. The visit comes in the final months of Guterres’ 10-year term, which ends on December 31.
His programme includes meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s chief of defence forces and army chief. Guterres is also due to visit the headquarters of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan and the National Disaster Management Authority.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the visit would highlight the country’s efforts to strengthen multilateralism and international peace and security, as well as disaster preparedness and early-warning systems. The sides are also expected to exchange views on regional and international developments.
The United Nations confirmed the travel schedule and meetings with Pakistan’s leadership. Guterres last visited the country in 2022, when he travelled to areas hit by severe flooding.