United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday termed the improved security situation of Pakistan as "absolutely remarkable", noting that Islamabad, which looked like a "fortress" a few years back had now become a family station for the world body's staff.
Guterres was responding to a question regarding "Pakistan's journey from terrorism to tourism" after a seminar at Islamabad's National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).
"We are witnessing the state becoming present, both from the point of view of security and basic service, development in an absolutely remarkable transformation," he said.
"I can see how Pakistan not only opened its borders, in a world where so many borders are closed, but Pakistani people open their houses and their hearts in [an] enormous demonstration of generosity," he said while referring to the influx of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
"At the same time, I have seen the commitment of Pakistan to peace, namely to support peace in Afghanistan," he added.
Guterres also appreciated the contributions of Pakistani troops to UN peacekeeping missions. "Pakistan has been lever in making peacekeeping more effective, more accountable and with a stronger capacity to protect civilians and to make the blue helmets an essential force for peace."
"I want to pay tribute to the very strong commitment of Pakistan to multilateralism and to United Nations," he said.
Earlier, during the seminar arranged by NUST, he had paid rich tribute to Pakistani peacekeeping troops and hailed their "professionalism [and] commitment". He commended the peacekeeping troops for their efforts to bring peace in countries struck by war and violence.
Ahead of his arrival, Guterres had said he would express gratitude for those serving as peacekeepers.
Taking to Twitter, he said: "Pakistan is one of the most consistent and reliable contributors to UN peacekeeping efforts around the world.
"I am travelling to Pakistan, where I plan to express my gratitude to the people ServingForPeace."
The UN chief is on a four-day visit to Pakistan to attend an international conference on Afghan refugees.
Earlier today he spoke at the international conference '40 Years of Hosting Afghan Refugees in Pakistan', where he insisted that the world "must recognise that international support for Pakistan has been minimal compared to [its own] national efforts" for Afghan refugees.
Sporty Princess Beatrice goes heli-skiing in PakistanFebruary 17, 2020 - 13:34 GMT Danielle Stacey The Duke of York's eldest daughter visited Pakistan to lead a "high level delegation."
Princess Beatrice carried out a trip to Pakistan this weekend, where she met the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi. The President tweeted photos of the trip as he hosted "a high level delegation led by Princess Beatrice of York at the Presidency," adding that the group were in the country for a heli-skiing expedition.
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In a thread of tweets, Dr. Arif Alvi added: "It reflects the trust of foreign tourists over tourist potential in Pakistan and that's why such a large delegation has come to Pakistan to enjoy skiing," and "With the world increasingly acknowledging Pakistan's natural beauty, Pakistan is destined to emerge as the tourist hub of the region and beyond."
It's believed that Princess Beatrice was visiting Pakistan in her role as Vice President for tech firm Afiniti. Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, also tweeted a photo of the royal with the former prime minister of Spain, Jose Maria Aznar, and the former prime minister of Italy, Matteo Renzi.
Princess Beatrice's visit comes after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's royal tour of Pakistan in October 2019, where they met with Dr. Arif Alvi and prime minister Imran Khan.
The Duke of York's eldest daughter, 31, is set to marry fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on Friday 29 May at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace. The Queen will host a reception for the newlyweds and their guests at Buckingham Palace following the ceremony.
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Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi will marry in May
As Buckingham Palace confirmed more details about the nuptials, Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie, 29, posted a sweet throwback of the two of them as bridesmaids at their nanny Alison Wardley's wedding in 1993. She captioned it: "She's so excited.... Today the family announced Beatrice will marry Edo on 29th May 2020. Very proud of this moment."
Although Beatrice doesn't undertake official royal duties, she is patron of a number of organisations, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, English National Ballet School and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre.
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