Dar, Guterres discuss Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and future of multilateralism

ISLAMABAD, Oct 7: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Islamabad and discussed a range of regional and global issues concerning peace and security.

The talks covered the situations in Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir and Afghanistan, as well as counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, Dar briefed Guterres on Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, reiterating Islamabad’s call for what it described as a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and preventing escalation in regional conflicts.

He referred to Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Islamabad Talks between the United States and Iran, while reaffirming Islamabad’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of resolving disputes.

The meeting comes as Pakistan seeks to emphasise its diplomatic role in addressing regional tensions and strengthening multilateral approaches to international disputes.

Guterres, for his part, appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations and its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation.

The discussions also underscored the continuing importance of multilateral diplomacy at a time of multiple conflicts and security challenges across different regions.