UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres left New York for Islamabad Sunday night for a four-day trip during which he will discuss Pakistan’s mediatory role in the U.S. conflict with Iran as well as its “constructive role” in supporting negotiations between the two countries, among other matters.

During the visit –at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan — the UN chief will meet with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar as well as senior government officials.

He will also meet with President Asif Ali Zardari.

“Over the years, the Secretary-General has seen firsthand how Pakistan has stood by others, having its own people serve under the United Nations flag, and using its diplomacy and mediation to bring parties together when dialogue is most needed,” UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told APP while discussing the UN leader’s visit to Pakistan.”

“This spirit is something we have seen time and again over the years, and it is one of Pakistan’s greatest contributions to our shared world,” he added.

The secretary-general has consistently praised Pakistan’s intense diplomatic efforts in the Middle East conflict, which led to the Memorandum of Understanding that established a ceasefire.

Speaking during his final press conference ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly high-level debate last month, the UN chief strongly advocated for a return to dialogue to bring a peaceful end to the war following the breakdown of the ceasefire.

Guterres is due to step down as the UN secretary-general at the end of this year after serving two five-year terms.

The Secretary-General was last in Pakistan in 2022, when the country’s vast areas were impacted by the devastating Monsoon floods. It was a solidarity visit that made a deep impression on the flood-hit people.

The UN chief will again visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where he will see firsthand the progress Pakistan has made in strengthening its preparedness and resilience since the floods.

In Islamabad, the Secretary-General will also visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, otherwise known as UNMOGIP, which monitors the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir.

The Secretary-General is expected to be back in New York on Thursday.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said educational institutions and teachers, through their vital role in character-building, lay the foundations for national progress and prosperity and Pakistan’s development was intrinsically linked to the quality of education system and, above all, to the dedication and commitment of capable teachers.

In a message on World Teachers’ Day, 5 October 2026, he said, “On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation and profound respect to teachers in Pakistan and around the world who are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of educating and nurturing our youth: the architects of our future.”

“Teachers play an indispensable role in nurturing the individuality of young people, polishing their abilities and expanding their knowledge. Through fostering intellectual development, shaping minds and guiding generations, teachers also help define the shared social foundations and values of our societies.

The dedication, knowledge and commitment of teachers are undoubtedly instrumental in shaping the future of nations. They are the cornerstone of every successful education system, fostering a spirit of inquiry among students and equipping them with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” he remarked.

“Only an inclusive, future-oriented education system, responsive to the demands of artificial intelligence, climate change, technological advancement and a knowledge-based employment landscape, can ensure a brighter future. The emerging challenges of our time require us to equip our students not only with knowledge, but also with critical thinking, creativity, ethical values, adaptability and the capacity for lifelong learning,” he added.

He said, “Making our education system merit-based, high-quality and aligned with global standards remains a foremost priority of the Government. The establishment of Danish Schools across the country is an endeavour to make quality education accessible to capable and talented students.”

“The government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities is also reflected in the expansion of the Danish Schools network. Providing quality education to talented and deserving children, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, remains a priority,” he concluded.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Monday, expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of growth in relations with Poland and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to transform this historical friendship into a robust long-term multi-faceted partnership.

The prime minister took note of the recent interactions between the two countries and underscored the importance of leadership-level exchanges as a catalyst towards expanding bilateral relations.

The prime minister received Tomasz Siemoniak, Minister, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Coordinator of Special Services of the Republic of Poland, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

He further underlined the need for both countries to encourage greater interaction between their respective business communities.

The prime minister appreciated Poland’s support to Pakistan on EU’s GSP Plus scheme and expressed his confidence that the two countries would continue to strengthen their ties in all sectors.

Both sides exchanged views on major regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.

The prime minister stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving regional tensions and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.