UNSG Guterres to attend Afghan refugees conference in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres will be visiting Pakistan from 16-19 February 2020 to participate in a conference being held on Afghan refugees.

The secretary-general will participate in the “International Conference on 40 Years of Hosting Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: A New Partnership for Solidarity” being hosted by Pakistan and will deliver a keynote address.

Guterres will call on President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan, and also hold a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. His other engagements will include interactions with parliamentarians, media, and youth.

The secretary-general will deliver special talks on themes of sustainable development, climate change, and peacekeeping. He will pay a visit to Lahore and will also travel to the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.

During the visit, Pakistan’s leadership will share their perspective on all aspects of Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The visit will be an opportunity to acknowledge Pakistan’s contribution to UN’s efforts in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security especially through the valiant soldiers serving as the UN peacekeepers.

The UN Secretary-General’s participation in the international conference is a recognition of Pakistan’s exemplary compassion, generosity, and resolve in hosting Afghan refugees for the past four decades and the efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Pakistan is an ardent supporter of the United Nations and has contributed significantly to the realisation of UN objectives of peace and security and sustainable development in the world.