UN Chief, Asim Munir Discuss Regional Security, Peacekeeping

ISLAMABAD: The COAS & CDF, Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and highlighted its contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

He also lauded the United Nations’ role under the leadership of Secretary General H. E. Antonio Gueterres, in advancing peace, stability and humanitarian cooperation.

H.E. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment and the United Nations’ role in promoting international peace and security were discussed. The two sides exchanged views on regional stability, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, India’s abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty and terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

The UN Secretary-General paid tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of Pakistan and its Armed Forces in War against Terror and in UN peacekeeping missions. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s continued commitment to international peace and security. He specifically appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

Pakistan has been one of the largest and longest-standing contributors to United Nations peacekeeping, with its armed forces participating in missions across Africa, the Middle East and other conflict-affected regions. Pakistan has also repeatedly highlighted its role in UN peacekeeping as part of its broader commitment to multilateral approaches to international peace and security.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of a complex regional security environment involving tensions between Pakistan and India, instability in Afghanistan and continuing concerns over terrorism emanating from Afghan territory. Pakistan has also raised the issue of India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, making water security an increasingly prominent element of its diplomatic and security concerns.

The United Nations has remained engaged with Pakistan on regional peace and security issues, including Afghanistan, counterterrorism, Kashmir and humanitarian affairs. Secretary-General António Guterres has previously visited Pakistan and maintained contacts with its political and military leadership, while Islamabad has sought greater international attention to regional disputes and their implications for stability.

The meeting between the UN chief and Pakistan’s top military leadership therefore provided an opportunity to discuss both Pakistan’s contribution to international peacekeeping and the security challenges confronting the region. Guterres’ acknowledgement of the sacrifices of Pakistani forces in counterterrorism operations and UN missions also underscored Pakistan’s continued emphasis on its role in supporting international peace and regional conflict resolution.