President Asif Ali Zardari held a series of meetings in Doha, including with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, on the sidelines of the second World Summit for Social Development.

During his meeting with the UN secretary, Zardari lauded Guterres’ leadership role in addressing prevailing challenges and his continued support for Pakistan.

He emphasised the need for a just resolution of the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, calling for the implementation of international commitments.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar also attended the meeting.

President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and welcomed the Doha Political Declaration as a positive step toward reinvigorating global commitments to poverty eradication and social development.

The UN chief praised Pakistan’s role in global peacekeeping and expressed solidarity with the country in its fight against terrorism.

During the meeting, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari voiced concern over India’s use of water as a weapon, saying New Delhi’s suspension of treaty obligations and withholding of river data had aggravated natural disasters in Pakistan.

In separate meetings, President Zardari met with the presidents of Iraq and Tajikistan.

The leaders reviewed all aspects of their longstanding fraternal relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid invited President Zardari to visit Iraq, which the latter accepted, saying he would undertake the visit after Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

The two sides also agreed to boost trade and investment, enhance business-to-business connections, and facilitate visa processes.

President Zardari appreciated the Iraqi government’s cooperation in facilitating Pakistani pilgrims.

In his meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, President Zardari underscored the importance Pakistan places on its historical, cultural, and linguistic ties with Tajikistan.

He said the revival of the CASA-1000 energy project marks a key step toward shared prosperity and invited Tajikistan to explore new trade and connectivity opportunities through Pakistan, including the restoration of direct flights.

Both the Iraqi and Tajik presidents extended invitations for official visits to their countries, which President Zardari accepted.

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar were present during the meetings.