ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said Pakistan is a frontline state, which is successfully fighting the challenges of climate change.
Addressing a banquet hosted in his honour by President Dr Arif Alvi at the President House, the UN chief said Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. He said Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, which has rendered remarkable sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
In his address, President Dr Arif Avli said despite being a poor country Pakistan hosted the largest number of refugees in recent history.
Commenting on rising polarisation in the world, the president said countries are building walls and letting the people drown in the Mediterranean Sea but are not allowing them to enter. He said Pakistan feels proud that it has hosted its neighbors for the last forty years. He expressed hope that the peace process in Afghanistan will bring prosperity and development in the region.
The president said that India should allow the team of UNMOGIP to visit occupied Kashmir. He also demanded India to open the occupied valley for international media.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on President Dr Arif Alvi. The president highlighted the immense contributions made by Pakistan over the 40 years in hosting Afghan refugees and providing them economic and political security.
President Alvi also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in combating climate change and achieving sustainable development. He shared concerns over India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August last year in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He underlined the fundamental obligation of the United Nations to implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, pledging the right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people. The resident further underscored Pakistan’s strong support for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s contribution while hosting Afghan Refugees for four decades. He said that the generosity and hospitality shown by Pakistan towards Afghan refugees was a remarkable story of solidarity. He also lauded Pakistan’s efforts in decisively defeating terrorism, saying the International Community should recognize Pakistan’s contribution in this regard.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was also present on the occasion.
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