António Guterres Receives Nishan-e-Imtiaz in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, October 6, 2026: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has been conferred Pakistan’s prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his international service, leadership of the United Nations, and contributions to global peace and development. President Asif Ali Zardari presented the award during a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad. The honour marks the first time Pakistan has conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz on a United Nations Secretary-General.

A Special Ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr

The ceremony brought together senior Pakistani leadership, government officials and members of the diplomatic community. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, members of the federal cabinet, parliamentarians and diplomatic representatives attended the event.

The conferment of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz recognised Guterres’s role in international diplomacy and his efforts to promote dialogue, peaceful dispute resolution and cooperation among nations.

The award also highlighted Pakistan’s engagement with the United Nations and its support for international efforts aimed at maintaining peace, strengthening multilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges.

Discussions on Regional and International Issues

During his visit to Islamabad, Secretary-General António Guterres held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

The discussions covered regional and international developments, with particular attention to peace, security, diplomacy and cooperation through multilateral institutions.

Pakistan’s leadership reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges. The meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss the role of the United Nations in supporting peaceful solutions to international disputes.

The engagement reflected the continuing importance of cooperation between Pakistan and the United Nations on issues affecting regional stability and the broader international community.

Meeting with Pakistan’s Leadership

President Asif Ali Zardari met with the UN Secretary-General to discuss matters of mutual interest and international concern. The President acknowledged Guterres’s leadership of the United Nations and his efforts to advance international peace, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The discussions also underscored the importance of ensuring that the concerns of developing countries receive appropriate attention in international decision-making.

Pakistan has consistently emphasised the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing challenges that extend beyond national borders, including conflict prevention, climate change, sustainable development and humanitarian emergencies.

Briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority

As part of his official engagements, Guterres visited Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where he received a briefing on the country’s disaster preparedness and resilience efforts.

The visit highlighted the importance of strengthening disaster risk reduction, improving preparedness systems and building resilience against natural hazards.

Pakistan faces recurring climate-related challenges, including floods, extreme rainfall, heatwaves and other weather-related emergencies. These events can affect communities, infrastructure, agriculture and livelihoods, making preparedness and coordinated emergency response essential.

The NDMA briefing provided an opportunity to discuss Pakistan’s approach to disaster management and the importance of institutional coordination in responding to emergencies and reducing risks to vulnerable communities.

Disaster preparedness remains a significant area for international cooperation, particularly as countries work to improve early-warning systems, strengthen response capabilities and protect communities from the effects of climate-related hazards.

Visit to the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan

The UN Secretary-General also visited the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), paying tribute to the mission and the peacekeepers serving under the United Nations around the world.

Established in January 1949, UNMOGIP monitors developments relating to the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and reports to the UN Secretary-General in accordance with its mandate. The mission has continued its work in the region following renewed hostilities in 1971. Source: United Nations Peacekeeping.

Guterres’s visit recognised the contribution of military observers and peacekeeping personnel who carry out their responsibilities in challenging environments. Their work forms part of the United Nations’ wider efforts to monitor situations of tension, support peacekeeping mandates and contribute to international peace and security.

The visit also drew attention to the continuing role of UN missions in areas where monitoring and reporting are important components of international engagement.

Engagement with the United Nations Country Team

During his stay in Islamabad, Guterres also met with the United Nations Country Team in Pakistan.

The UN Country Team brings together representatives of UN agencies and organisations working in the country on development, humanitarian assistance and other areas within their respective mandates.

Such meetings provide an opportunity to review ongoing work, discuss country-level priorities and strengthen coordination between UN entities and national partners.

The United Nations works with countries on a range of issues, including sustainable development, humanitarian response, public health, education, climate resilience and support for vulnerable populations.

Pakistan and the United Nations: Cooperation on Global Challenges

The Secretary-General’s visit highlighted several areas in which Pakistan and the United Nations engage, including diplomacy, peacekeeping, disaster preparedness and international cooperation.

Pakistan has contributed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations over several decades, while the United Nations continues to work with Pakistan on development priorities and humanitarian challenges.

Cooperation on disaster resilience is particularly important given Pakistan’s exposure to climate-related hazards. Strengthening preparedness, improving coordination and supporting vulnerable communities remain central to reducing the human and economic impact of emergencies.

At the international level, the United Nations provides a forum for member states to discuss shared concerns and pursue collective responses to challenges that require cooperation across national boundaries.

Further Meetings in Islamabad

The Secretary-General’s programme also included further high-level engagement with Pakistan’s leadership. A meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, as part of the official visit.

The discussions were expected to provide another opportunity to exchange views on regional developments, international cooperation and the work of the United Nations.

A Recognition of International Service

The conferment of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz on António Guterres represents a significant moment in Pakistan’s engagement with the United Nations. As the first UN Secretary-General to receive this distinction from Pakistan, Guterres’s recognition underscores the importance attached to international service, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.

His engagements in Islamabad brought together discussions on regional and international issues, disaster preparedness, peacekeeping and the work of UN agencies in Pakistan.

The visit highlighted the continuing role of dialogue and international cooperation in addressing shared challenges and supporting efforts towards peace, resilience and sustainable development.