ISLAMABAD – Guterres on the occasion expressed great joy on being inPakistan again, he told that he had been to the country several times inthe past but not as the UN Chief.
In his address, Guterres said that it was now high time that the world getsto see the positive image of Pakistan, he said that the main objective ofhis current visit is to highlight the true and vibrant image of the countryto the world.
Antonio Guterres said that Pakistan is a country founded on Muhammad AliJinnah’s ideology and Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s philosophy.
Lauding Pakistan’s efforts being the second biggest refugee sanctuary inthe world, the UN Chief said that Pakistan has embraced refugees fromacross the world and has proven to be a great partner to the UnitedNations, he thanked Pakistan for all the efforts it puts forth in the fightfor peace and justice.
He added that Pakistan’s magnanimous effort of providing a safe haven toAfghan refugees was an admirable feat, one that can’t be appreciated enough.
Airing his concerns on the friction between neighboring countries India andPakistan, the UN Chief said that he has serious concerns over the currentongoings between the country, he stressed that the only way forward in theconundrum is dialogue.
The UN Chief also added that both countries should show restraint at theworking boundaries and ensure that the strife does not escalate intosomething regrettable.
Guterres also raised concerns over the prevalent human rights situation inthe illegally annexed Indian Occupied Kashmir.
The UN General Secretary also appreciated the improved security situationin Pakistan.
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Answering a question with regards to rising Islamophobia in the world,Guetteres answered that the notion of someone being an Islamophobe and thegeneral idea of Islamophobia both were detrimental to peace andreconciliation efforts among countries and meddled with interfaith harmonyamong individuals.
The UN Chief said that a concerted effort was required to tackleIslamophobia and defeat it for good.
Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said thathe and the UN Chief had a very important and fruitful meeting on the matterof Kashmir, a land which has illegally been annexed and is being kept underoccupation with a presence of 0.9 million armed personnel.
Qureshi said that the United Nations must ensure resolutions passed by theglobal body pertaining to Kashmir are adhered to and implemented.
Speaking on Pakistan’s role in the Afghan Peace Process, FM Qureshi saidthat Pakistan holds an integral responsibility in the process and willstand by it till the matter reached its amicable end.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Islamabad today to attendan international conference on Afghan refugees.
