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, Dawn reported.

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.

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."

Ahead of his arrival, Guterres had said he would express gratitude for those serving as peacekeepers.