The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad today. The President commended his dynamic leadership and passionate advocacy for refugees worldwide and hoped that his participation in the International Afghan Refugee Conference in Islamabad would help in renewed focus on this important matter.
The President highlighted the immense contributions made by Pakistan over the 40 years in hosting Afghan refugees and providing them economic and political security. The President also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in combating climate change and achieving sustainable development.
The President shared concerns over India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K), the grave human rights and humanitarian situation there, and the threat posed to regional peace and security by India’s belligerent rhetoric and aggressive measures including intensified ceasefire violations on the Line of Control. The President underlined the fundamental obligation of the United Nations to implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, pledging the right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people.
The President further underscored Pakistan’s strong support for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. The President further highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing contributions to UN Peacekeeping operations. He stressed that Pakistan would continue its efforts for upholding the ideals and objectives of the UN Charter.
Secretary General Guterres appreciated Pakistan's contribution while hosting Afghan Refugees for four decades. He said that the generosity and hospitality shown by Pakistan towards Afghan refugees was a remarkable story of solidarity. He also lauded Pakistan's efforts in decisively defeating terrorism, saying the International Community should recognize Pakistan's contribution in this regard.
Secretary General Guterres joined the President for a dinner which the President hosted in honour of the delegates attending the International Conference on 40 years of hosting Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Dignitaries from different walks of life including senior Ministers, diplomatic corps and representatives of UN and other international organizations attended the dinner.
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