Pakistan signed a pact with United Nations on Monday agreeing to conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the Foreign Office said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed an Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.
“The signing of the BBNJ Agreement reflects on Pakistan’s continued commitment to multilateral cooperation and to the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,” read foreign ministry’s post on X (formerly Twitter).
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, today signed the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).… pic.twitter.com/SqwY529Ruo
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2025
Earlier in the day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised Pakistan’s initiatives and leadership at the UN Security Council during a meeting with Dar.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations in tackling global challenges. He assured the UN secretary-general of Islamabad’s continued focus on enhancing the UN’s capacity in conflict resolution, promoting sustainable development, and defending fundamental human rights worldwide.
Guterres praised Pakistan’s “strong role” and “principled positions” at the Security Council and welcomed its leadership during high-level engagements.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s consistent dedication to the principles of the UN Charter, especially the need to advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
He cited Pakistan’s recent initiatives, including a high-level debate on multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes, and the convening of a session on UN-OIC cooperation. Both events were held under Pakistan’s presidency of the Council for July 2025.
🔊PR NO.2️⃣1️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Meeting of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 with the UN Secretary General @antonioguterres.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/KKwR6YRQfF pic.twitter.com/FK2ZtMcdNV
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 21, 2025
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister raised several issues of national and regional concern. These included the ongoing dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, India’s alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, and instances of terrorism within Pakistan allegedly sponsored from abroad.
He reiterated Pakistan’s position that the Jammu and Kashmir issue must be resolved in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He welcomed the secretary-general’s recent efforts to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed Pakistan’s firm support for a sovereign Palestinian state, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and complete opposition to Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank.
The two sides discussed the forthcoming High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to be held in New York next week. Both agreed that the conference must lead to meaningful outcomes.
Dar further praised the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative, marking the UN’s upcoming 80th anniversary, and said it provided a critical opportunity to reinforce the three foundational pillars of the UN: international peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.
He also briefed Guterres on Pakistan’s steps to promote regional connectivity and spur economic growth through international partnerships.
