UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the UN secretary-general highly values Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing regional tensions. In an interview with a private television channel, he also said the secretary-general appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s role.
Dujarric said Pakistan was playing a frontline role in the fight against terrorism and highlighted the importance of continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
The UN spokesperson also urged Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities and to take steps to eliminate terrorism from the country.
He called on the authorities in Kabul to protect the rights of all citizens, particularly women and girls, including their right to education.
Dujarric said the United Nations would continue supporting peace and political processes in the region.
He also clarified that UN funds are not provided directly to local administrations but are instead spent directly on humanitarian and welfare projects.