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.

Barcelona: Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman, Board of Governors, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), attended as Chief Guest the convention titled “Kashmir Baney Ga Pakistan”, organized by the Pakistani/Kashmiri community in Barcelona, Spain, on 4th October 2026.

The convention was attended by a large number of members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri community, who reaffirmed their commitment to the progress, prosperity and development of Pakistan and reiterated their resolve to continue working towards the realization of the cherished goal of “Kashmir Baney Ga Pakistan.”

Addressing the gathering, Syed Qamar Raza appreciated the community for organizing the convention and for keeping alive the spirit of patriotism, unity and commitment to Pakistan among overseas Pakistanis. He emphasized that the Pakistani diaspora has an important role to play in promoting Pakistan’s positive image and contributing to the country’s socio-economic progress.

The gathering concluded with a renewed pledge of solidarity with Pakistan and continued support for the just cause of Kashmir.