thefridaynews 
ISLAMABAD, Oct 6: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred Pakistan’s prestigious Nishan-i-Imtiaz on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in recognition of his distinguished international service, leadership of the United Nations and contribution to global peace and development. The honour was presented during a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, members of the federal cabinet, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps. Guterres arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for an official visit from October 6 to 8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s leadership and visit the headquarters of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). During his meeting with President Zardari, discussions covered regional peace and stability, the Palestine issue, terrorism, climate change, UN peacekeeping and reform of the United Nations.President Zardari appreciated Guterres’s leadership and his efforts for international peace, dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes. He also recalled the UN chief’s support for Pakistan following the devastating 2022 floods. Speaking at the ceremony, Guterres thanked Pakistan for the honour and acknowledged the hospitality and solidarity of the Pakistani people. He also highlighted Pakistan’s resilience in confronting terrorism and its contribution to UN peacekeeping.
