UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has reaffirmed the country’s stance on Kashmir, emphasizing its alignment with UN resolutions. He also underlined Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, calling it vital for regional peace.
On Thursday, Ambassador Ahmad participated in a significant ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York. He raised Pakistan’s national flag in front of the UN Security Council chamber, marking the start of Pakistan’s eighth term as a non-permanent member of the 15-member council for the years 2025-2026.
During the event, flags of five new non-permanent members — Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia — were installed. These countries replaced Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, whose terms ended on December 31, 2024. The UN Security Council, known for its pivotal role in maintaining global peace, includes five permanent members and 10 non-permanent ones, rotated by geographic regions.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad stated that Pakistan would be guided by the UN Charter’s principles, particularly the maintenance of peace and the promotion of equal rights and self-determination. He declared Pakistan’s unwavering support for people living under foreign occupation and oppression, pledging to amplify their voices at the international level.
Ahmad stressed the importance of cooperative multilateralism, with the UN at its core, as the most effective approach to address global challenges. He urged for dialogue, diplomacy, and confidence-building measures to reduce tensions, curb the arms race, and create conditions conducive to peace and development.
Pakistan, he assured, would actively work with other council members to seek just and peaceful solutions to international conflicts. The country would leverage tools like conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding to achieve lasting peace. Ahmad emphasized the importance of adhering to the UN Charter and international law while implementing the Security Council’s decisions effectively.
He also acknowledged the responsibility of addressing the plight of millions affected by conflicts worldwide. “Pakistan takes this role with full resolve to contribute to a more peaceful and secure world,” he stated.
In July, Pakistan will assume the presidency of the UN Security Council, granting it the opportunity to set the council’s agenda. Additionally, the country will hold a seat on the ISIS and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, tasked with designating terrorists and imposing sanctions.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted Pakistan’s improved security situation and noted the government’s strong commitment to combating terrorism. While acknowledging a recent resurgence in terrorist activities, he expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to eliminate the threat. He also stressed the importance of a stable Afghanistan for regional peace, emphasizing ongoing multilateral and bilateral efforts to address the issue.
Reflecting on his role at the UN, Ahmad called it a great honor to represent Pakistan. He assured that Pakistan’s experienced team would fulfill the expectations of the nation and its government.
The flag installation ceremony, introduced by Kazakhstan in 2018, symbolizes the new council members’ commitment to tackling pressing global challenges. Kazakhstan’s permanent representative expressed confidence that the incoming members, including Pakistan, would contribute significantly to global peace and security.
