ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day official visit to Pakistan, the Foreign Office said.
Guterres is visiting Pakistan from October 6 to 8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The UN chief was received at the airport by Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir.
The visit marks Guterres’ return to Pakistan since his 2022 trip to areas affected by devastating floods. His current visit will include meetings with senior Pakistani officials and engagements focused on regional and international developments.
Guterres to meet top Pakistani leadership
During his stay, Guterres is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
According to the Foreign Office, the UN secretary-general will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
He is also scheduled to visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where he will receive a briefing on Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and early-warning systems.
Regional and international issues on agenda
The visit will provide an opportunity for Pakistan and the UN leadership to exchange views on regional and international developments, as well as matters concerning international peace and security.
Pakistan is expected to highlight its efforts to strengthen multilateralism and its cooperation with the United Nations.
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The Foreign Office said the visit reflected Pakistan’s continued support for multilateralism with the UN at its core and its commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Guterres’ meetings will also come amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts involving several conflicts. Recent reporting has indicated that discussions during his Pakistan visit could also touch on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement over regional crises, including efforts involving the United States and Iran.
UN Secretary-General H.E. António Guterres arrived in Islamabad today to undertake an official visit to Pakistan from 6–8 October 2026, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Upon arrival, the Secretary-General was received by Acting Foreign Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 5, 2026
Focus on disaster preparedness
Disaster management is another key element of the UN chief’s itinerary.
During his visit to the NDMA, Guterres is expected to review Pakistan’s progress in strengthening disaster preparedness, resilience and early-warning systems since his 2022 visit following the country’s devastating floods.
The UN said the secretary-general would see firsthand the progress Pakistan has made in strengthening preparedness and resilience.
The three-day visit is expected to reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding engagement with the United Nations while providing an opportunity for both sides to discuss regional developments, international cooperation and disaster preparedness.
