UN chief hails Pakistan's 'pivotal role' in US-Iran conflict, calls for 'return to diplomacy'

UN chief hails Pakistan's 'pivotal role' in US-Iran conflict, calls for 'return to diplomacy'.

Key points

• News Desk Published October 6, 2026 Updated October 7, 2026 12: 14am.
• The chief highlighted Pakistan's leadership with Denmark on UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2823.
• More than 180 brave Pakistani souls offered their lives in the service of peace.
• He appreciated Pakistan's response to the crises, including establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund and the country's growing clean energy transition.
• "Our initiative on resolution 2788 on strengthening multilateralism and mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes is a reflection of Pakistan's approach in this regard, " the minister recalled.

News Desk Published October 6, 2026 Updated October 7, 2026 12: 14am. Join our Whatsapp Channel.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday lauded Pakistan's "pivotal role" in mediating between the United States and Iran as he called on the parties to end the conflict and return to diplomacy.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he remarked: Pakistan's spirit of engagement is front and centre on matters of international peace and security.

"I salute Pakistan's leadership for helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict. Your efforts supported deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations. Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role, " he remarked.

"And from Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: end the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights in accordance with international law. As Pakistan has long championed, " he stated, there will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian individuals is recognised.

At the outset of his speech, the UN chief remarked that it was "wonderful to be back in Pakistan".

"I am in the closing months of my tenure as UN secretary general. Before that, I served ten years as UN high commissioner for refugees, " he remarked.

"Pakistan has shown that, even in difficult circumstances, perhaps especially in difficult circumstances, compassion and responsibility must go hand-in-hand, " he remarked.

He asserted that Pakistan mattered not only since of its size, but as it brought an "essential perspective" to global debates.

"For decades, Pakistan opened its doors to millions of Afghans fleeing conflict and instability. Communities around this country shared whatever they had with individuals seeking protection and safety, " Guterres stated.

He continued that the UN was committed to working together with the country to uphold protection principles and ensure that returns of Afghans "proceed in a voluntary, safe and dignified way".

According to the UN chief, Pakistan had put a spotlight on the value of multilateralism, dialogue, mediation and diplomacy at a time of growing division and mistrust worldwide. "Those same values are vital within societies as well, " he stated.

"Here and around the world, we know that inclusive institutions, respect for human rights, and a vibrant civic space are necessary to help strengthen social cohesion, build trust and enable people to contribute fully to their country's future." Guterres additionally appreciated Pakistan's contributions to United Nations peacekeeping.

"Pakistani women and men have served with courage and distinction in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments, " he remarked.

"More than 180 brave Pakistani souls offered their lives in the service of peace. We honour their sacrifice."

For context, the chief highlighted Pakistan's leadership with Denmark on UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2823. It strengthened accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.

One hundred and fifty-three countries co- the resolution. It according to Guterres, was the largest number of co-sponsors for a UNSC resolution in UN history.

Notably, the UN chief additionally shared his aims to visit United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) afterwards in the day to pay tribute to the mission and to peacekeepers worldwide.

Commenting on terrorism in the country, he remarked: "Pakistan has endured immense suffering. Thousands of individuals lost their lives. Families and communities nationwide continue to bear scars. We stand with Pakistan in confronting this threat of terrorism."

He continued that addressing terrorism and legitimate security worries was necessary and indispensable.

"Experience shows that the strongest and most effective security responses are those grounded in international law, human rights and the rule of law."

Towards the end of his speech, Guterres spoke regarding the climate crisis.

"My last visit to Pakistan came during the catastrophic floods of 2022. I will never forget the utter devastation I saw, " he remarked, referring to the unprecedented floods four years ago that affected approximately 33 million residents and asserted the lives of 1, 700 residents.

"But I also saw the resilience, determination and solidarity of the Pakistani people, " Guterres remarked. "Pakistan is on the frontlines of climate chaos despite contributing only a tiny fraction of global emissions."

Nevertheless, he asserted that leadership from vulnerable developing countries cannot substitute for responsibility from developed countries.

"The G20 represents 80 per cent of global emissions. We need a drastic reduction in those emissions this decade, " he highlighted.

"The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must apply, but all countries must do their part, " he remarked.

Meanwhile, Dar remarked he "greatly appreciated" Guterres' visit. It he asserted was a reflection of the "long-standing and close cooperation" between Pakistan and the UN.

"It also shows our common resolve to strengthen multilateralism and our cooperation at a time of profound global challenges, " he remarked.

"We have consistently sought to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN charter, advance international peace and security, contribute to peacekeeping and strengthen multilateral solutions to global challenges."

Dar referred to Guterres as a "great friend" of Pakistan, adding that the country would not forget his solidarity during the 2022 floods as well as his efforts to mobilise international backing for recovery and reconstruction.

During its time as an elected member of the UNSC, Dar remarked Pakistan had tried to produce "significant contributions" to international peace and security, with particular emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

"The unanimous adoption of that resolution reaffirmed the importance of negotiation, mediation, preventive diplomacy, and the good offices of the UN secretary general."

He appreciated Guterres' engagement with the follow-up to the resolution, including the participation and presentation of "solid recommendations" in the open debate held in July this year.

Dar remarked the country valued the secretary general's "readiness" to extend his good offices in situations where dialogue and diplomacy could assist reduce tensions and create space for peaceful solutions.

"This is particularly relevant at a time when the international community is confronted with multiple conflicts and crises, " he reiterated.

"Pakistan believes that the UN must remain at the centre of international efforts to address these challenges and that diplomacy must be given every opportunity to succeed."

For now, UN chief hails Pakistan' s ' pivotal role' in US-Iran conflict, calls for ' return remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.