President Zardari confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz upon UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterrers

President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in recognition of his distinguished international service, leadership of the United Nations and contribution to global peace and development.

The award, first to any UN Secretary General by Pakistan, was conferred in a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Muhammed Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Speaker of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Cabinet, members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic corps.

Earlier, during a meeting with the UN Secretary-General,  President Zardari appreciated his principled leadership of the United Nations, his efforts for international peace, dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as his constructive engagement with Pakistan and attention to the concerns of developing countries.

The president said Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.

He appreciated the UN Secretary-General’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution and said Pakistan would continue supporting efforts towards implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.