October 24,2021
New York
On the occasion of United Nations Day and the commemoration of the 76th Anniversary of the United Nations, I warmly congratulate the UN community on behalf of Pakistan.
The United Nations was established 76 years ago to maintain international peace and security and promote the economic and social development of all nations.
The U.N Charter prescribed strict adherence to the principles of non-use of force, self-determination of people, respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in their internal affairs.
In the past 76 years, peace was not universally achieved. But a devastating Third World War was avoided and regional conflicts were contained, largely through general adherence to the UN Charter’s principles and the dialogue and negotiating processes enabled by the United Nations.
Likewise, though universal prosperity was not achieved; living standards improved across the world through international economic cooperation promoted by the UN and its numerous Specialized organs and agencies.
Today, the promise of peace and prosperity envisaged in the UN’s Charter faces multiple challenges:
The worst pandemic in modern history which has reversed decades of development; an existential climate crisis; revived great power tensions; a new and wider arms race; the persistence and proliferation of conflicts and disputes; and the rise of extremist, fascist and terrorist groups in several regions.
The world order enabled by the United Nations could collapse under the weight of these multiple threats and challenges. These threats and challenges can only be addressed by and within the United Nations.
The United Nations’s principal organs – the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Human Rights Council – will have to be strengthened and made more effective, democratic, and relevant.
Pakistan plays a central and constructive role in evolving decisions within the UN on economic, development, security, and other issues.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s proposals for debt relief, larger concessional finance, the creation of new IMF Special Drawing Rights and their redistribution to developing countries, a halt in illicit financial flows from poorer countries to “safe havens”, all these proposals have been reflected in international policy decisions. Pakistan’s troops also continue to play a major role in the UN’s peacekeeping operations.
The UN membership furthermore recognizes Pakistan’s important role in stabilizing Afghanistan in the wake of the recent dramatic developments, preventing a humanitarian crisis and economic collapse, promoting peace through reconciliation, and ensuring that no terrorism emanates from Afghanistan’s territory.
The United Nations also remains central to a peaceful solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. As the UN Secretary-General has stated, the UN’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is based on “the UN Charter and the Security Council resolutions” which prescribe that the “final disposition” of the state will be determined through a free and fair plebiscite under UN auspices i.e. by enabling the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination.
Pakistan will continue to press for the implementation of the Security Council resolutions. Like other colonial enterprises, India’s attempt to annex Kashmir will be defeated by the steadfast demand of the Kashmiri people for freedom and liberty.
The 193 Member States of the United Nations, large and small must place their faith in the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, which remain immutable and relevant to address the current global and regional challenges confronting the international community.
The writer is Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
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