DOHA: President Asif Ali Zardari met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Doha, where the two leaders discussed a range of global and regional issues, including peace, development, and humanitarian challenges.
President Zardari commended the Secretary-General’s leadership in addressing global challenges and expressed appreciation for his continued support to Pakistan in international forums.
During the meeting, the President underscored the need for a just and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, emphasizing the importance of implementing international commitments for regional peace and stability.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding and significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, reaffirming the country’s dedication to global peace and collective security.
The UN Secretary-General praised Pakistan’s role in peacekeeping operations and expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts against terrorism and extremism.
On the sidelines, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari voiced concern over India’s use of water as a weapon, condemning its unilateral suspension of treaty commitments and withholding of river data, which he said had triggered natural disasters in Pakistan.
President Zardari welcomed the Doha Political Declaration, terming it a “positive step toward reviving the global commitment to poverty eradication and social development.”
He also cited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a successful model of social inclusion and economic empowerment, demonstrating Pakistan’s resolve to promote equitable growth and welfare.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, President Zardari stated that the country fully supports the United Nations’ central role in promoting global peace, justice, and prosperity.
He further called for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, in line with international law and UN resolutions, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar were also present during the meeting.