President Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on UN chief Guterres

President Asif Ali Zardari awarded United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civilian honor, on Tuesday. This marks the first time Pakistan has bestowed such an honor on a UN Secretary-General. The ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other politicians and diplomats, were present.

Before the event, Zardari met with Guterres, commending him for his efforts towards dialogue, diplomacy, and resolving disputes peacefully. Zardari reiterated Pakistan's support for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution. Regarding South Asia, he emphasized the need for lasting peace through sustained dialogue between Pakistan and India, including resolving the Kashmir dispute as per UN resolutions and the Kashmiri people's wishes.

He stressed that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement and cannot be suspended or manipulated politically. Pakistan's adherence to the treaty's provisions has been affirmed by international courts. Zardari highlighted Pakistan's commitment to de-escalation and dialogue in regional disputes and conveyed readiness to assist in diplomacy whenever possible.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the global fight against terrorism and affirmed that Afghan soil must not be utilized against Pakistan or other nations. Zardari noted that over 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 UN missions worldwide and endorsed Guterres' UN80 reform proposal, urging that reforms safeguard the interests of developing countries.

He expressed hope that the next Secretary-General would continue the reform process. In terms of the UN Security Council, Zardari advocated for a more democratic body, opposing the addition of unelected members and favoring elected, non-permanent seats with equitable geographical representation. He viewed climate change as a significant threat to vulnerable nations, including Pakistan, and called for intensified global action on mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance.

Zardari also expressed gratitude to Guterres for supporting Pakistan during the 2022 floods, highlighting Guterres' efforts in mobilizing international aid through the Geneva pledging conference. Over 2.1 million climate-resilient homes have been constructed, with women receiving ownership in many cases. Guterres praised Pakistan for its refugee sheltering and resilience against terrorism, noting that he has seen the real Pakistan.

UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, acting Resident Coordinator Pernille Ironside, and senators Sherry Rehman and Saleem Mandviwalla, along with former federal minister Naveed Qamar, attended the ceremony.