ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari conferred prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz on UN Secretary-General António Guterres at a ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.
The high-profile honour was bestowed on Guterres in recognition of his international services, diplomatic efforts, commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and contribution to global peace and development. The award comes as Guterres undertakes an official visit to Pakistan from October 6 to 8, during which he is holding meetings with the country’s top leadership and discussing major regional and international developments.
صدر زرداری اقوام متحدہ کے سیکٹری جنرل انتونیو گوتریس کو نشان امتیاز دے رہے ہیں https://t.co/JYIcNgjbQX
— LAFZ DIGITAL (@LafzDigital) October 6, 2026
Guterres was honoured as a sincere friend of Pakistan, with Islamabad recognising his longstanding engagement with the country and his contributions to diplomacy and international peace.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the UN chief on receiving the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. The honour carries particular significance given Guterres’ repeated acknowledgment of Pakistan’s role in international peace and security, including the country’s contribution to UN peacekeeping and its sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking after receiving the award, Guterres expressed his profound gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, saying he was deeply thankful for the high honour. UN chief said he had personally witnessed the hospitality and generosity of the Pakistani people, adding that he accepted the prestigious award on behalf of the women and men working at the United Nations.
He also paid tribute to the Pakistani nation for its determination, unity and resilience in confronting terrorism. Guterres highlighted the role of Pakistani personnel serving in UN peacekeeping missions, saying their contribution represents a true reflection of the country and its people.
Nishan-e-Imtiaz ceremony forms part of a wider diplomatic engagement during Guterres’ visit to Pakistan. UN chief arrived in Islamabad early Tuesday and is scheduled to meet President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
He is also scheduled to visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and attend a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
According to the Foreign Office, the visit is intended to highlight Pakistan’s efforts toward multilateralism, international peace and security, disaster preparedness and early-warning systems, while providing an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global developments.
Guterres praised Pakistan’s role in international diplomacy, particularly its efforts to facilitate dialogue in the ongoing US-Iran conflict. He praised Islamabad’s efforts to create conditions for dialogue and contribute to the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, subsequent ceasefire and framework for future negotiations.
UN chief also called for an end to conflict and a return to diplomacy, while reiterating the importance of international law and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
