UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday, October 6, for an official visit to discuss critical regional and bilateral issues with the country's senior leadership. The trip comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.
According to the announced schedule, Mr. Guterres will meet in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and President Asif Ali Zardari. The visit is taking place at the official invitation of Pakistani authorities.
A key focus of the Secretary-General's discussions in Pakistan will be the country's diplomatic efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran. The United Nations has previously welcomed Islamabad's role in reducing tensions and advancing dialogue between Tehran and Washington.
Since the onset of conflict between the US and Iran, Pakistan has intensified its mediation efforts, hosting direct talks between the two sides. Although these efforts led to a temporary ceasefire agreement, that deal collapsed in July.
Guterres's visit also coincides with escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In recent weeks, Pakistan has conducted several airstrikes inside Afghan territory. The UN recently announced that in strikes on October 1 in Kunar and Helmand provinces, at least 10 civilians, mostly children, were killed. Pakistan claims it targeted militant positions in these strikes.
This is Mr. Guterres's second trip to Pakistan in the last four years. He previously visited in 2022 to tour the country's flood-affected areas. During this upcoming visit, he will also visit Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority and the headquarters of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
The visit takes place in the final months of António Guterres's second and final term as Secretary-General. His term ends on December 31, 2026, and the next Secretary-General will take office on January 1, 2027.
Source: United Nations
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