ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari presented the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a formal ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The award recognized Guterres’ remarkable services on the global stage, particularly his dedication to fostering international cooperation, peace, and humanitarian causes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister, federal cabinet members, and foreign diplomats were also present at the event. Expressing his gratitude, Guterres accepted the honor on behalf of all individuals working within the United Nations, acknowledging the recognition extended by the Government and people of Pakistan.
Guterres commended the hospitality and generosity he had personally experienced in Pakistan. He lauded the Pakistani nation’s courage, unity, and resilience in the face of terrorism. Highlighting Pakistan’s significant role in UN peacekeeping missions, he noted that Pakistani troops embody the true spirit and image of the country.
In his remarks, the UN chief referenced the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, emphasizing that Pakistanis possess not only strength and determination but also profound compassion and solidarity. He also reflected on the devastating floods in Pakistan and the broader climate crisis, sharing that he had witnessed the hardships endured by the Pakistani people firsthand.
Prior to the ceremony, Guterres visited the National Disaster Management Authority headquarters, where he received a briefing on Pakistan’s disaster preparedness, including advanced forecasting systems and the integration of artificial intelligence and modern data technologies. He praised Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its disaster response capabilities and underscored the necessity of global collaboration to tackle climate change and natural disasters.
Both Pakistan and the United Nations agreed to deepen their cooperation in areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and the application of technology to improve preparedness and response mechanisms.
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