UN chief António Guterres to visit Pakistan from Oct 6 to 8: FO

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Pakistan from October 6 to 8, the Foreign Office said on Monday, as his 10-year term as UN chief approaches its end.

During his visit, Guterres is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The UN secretary-general will also visit the headquarters of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), the Foreign Office said.

He is further expected to visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters, where he will attend a briefing on disaster preparedness and early warning systems.

According to the FO, Pakistan will use the visit to highlight its role in promoting multilateral cooperation, international peace and security, as well as its work on disaster preparedness.

The visit will also provide an opportunity for Pakistan and the UN leadership to discuss regional and international developments and reaffirm their longstanding cooperation.

The Foreign Office praised Guterres for his contribution to international peace and development during his tenure as secretary-general.

It also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for multilateralism, with the United Nations at its centre, and its commitment to the principles and objectives of the UN Charter.