UN Secretary-General meets the Prime Minister and attends the Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony

(2013-08-14)

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Prime Minister today along with senior UN officials. The Secretary-General had arrived in Pakistan on 13 August 2013.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the Secretary General discussed a wide range of issues including international peace and security, regional situation, socio-economic development and human rights. The Prime Minister briefed the Secretary General on the priorities and efforts of his government, with special focus on economic revival, resolving the energy crisis, good governance, elimination of terrorism, and peaceful neighbourhood.

The Prime Minister noted that Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the longest outstanding item on UN agenda, and expressed the hope that UN will play its due role in resolving this dispute. On recent tensions along the Line of Control, the Prime Minister termed it a matter of concern and stated that Pakistan will continue to respond to the situation with restraint and responsibility. The Prime Minister noted with appreciation Secretary General’s statement that the drone strikes should be subject to international law including international humanitarian law. The Prime Minister reiterated that the drone strikes not only violate our sovereignty but are also counter-productive.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance which Pakistan attached to the United Nations system. The Secretary General was sensitized of Pakistan’s contributions within the United Nations Security Council as its non-permanent member, its efforts in promoting international peacekeeping and in pursuing a comprehensive approach towards counter-terrorism. The Secretary General was assured of Pakistan’s support in his efforts towards global peace, security and development.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the democratic transition in Pakistan. He also appreciated Pakistan‘s robust and constructive role within the United Nations, particularly Pakistan’s contribution to international peace and security as a leading troop contributing country in UN peacekeeping operations as well as in the pursuit of global development agenda.

Earlier this morning, the Secretary-General attended the Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony as a special guest. He also met the women parliamentarians of Pakistan. The Secretary General also received a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority.

The UN Secretary General will call on the President of Pakistan later this evening. The President will also host a dinner banquet in honour of the Secretary General.

Yesterday, Mr. Ban Ki-moon met the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs. He also inaugurated the Centre for International Peace and Stability at the National University of Science and Technology and attended an event on youth and education in Islamabad.

Islamabad
14 August 2013

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