On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s office released a press statement for the international community.
The statement celebrated the founding aim of the UN, which was to protect the ‘succeeding generations from the scourge of war’. Talking about the political situation of the world today, the PM expressed resolve for Pakistan to continue its part in upholding the values of the UN and help the international community.
Only recently Pakistan was re-elected to the UN Human Rights Commission, which the PTI government hailed as a diplomatic win for the country.
The statement also expressed support for the right to self-determination for all peoples living under foreign occupation and alien domination. Furthermore, expressing gratitude on the fact that Pakistan has been one of the biggest contributors to ‘blue helmets’, a hint towards UN Peacekeeping Mission.
“At this historic occasion, I want to pay tribute to all men and women peacekeepers, including from Pakistan,” read the statement, “who remain ready to serve in the most fragile and conflict-ridden areas and never hesitate to make the ultimate sacrifice for maintaining peace and security around the globe.”
The PM expressed grave concern on the situation Jammu and Kashmir, calling upon the UN Security Council and the international community to play their part in the Kashmir dispute. The statement also commented on the rise of far-right Hindutva ideology in India and the illegality of India’s move to change the status of Kashmir unilaterally.
Commenting on the pandemic, the statement maintained that Covid-19 only adds to the world’s problems and the pandemic was being ‘politicized’ by certain powers to increase trade barriers.
In his closing remarks, the PM expressed continued support for international peace and multilateralism.
Following is the complete text of the PM’s statement:
“Today, the international community commemorates the United Nations’ 75th anniversary. We are celebrating this momentous occasion, when 75 years ago, the founding fathers came together to establish a rules-based international system to ‘save the succeeding generations from the scourge of war’.
While remaining at the forefront of the deliberations in the UN in supporting decolonization and advocating liberation of many States, Pakistan is proud to play its part in upholding universal values to protect and safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. Pakistan continues to support the right of all peoples living under foreign occupation and alien domination to self-determination.
It is gratifying that Pakistan has played a critical role in preserving international peace and security, through its contribution of ‘blue helmets’ to the UN Peacekeeping Missions all around the world.
At this historic occasion, I want to pay tribute to all men and women peacekeepers, including from Pakistan, who remain ready to serve in the most fragile and conflict-ridden areas and never hesitate to make the ultimate sacrifice for maintaining peace and security around the globe.
The 75th United Nations Day is also a somber reminder that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains unresolved, despite being on the UN’s agenda for over seven decades.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are still awaiting the fulfillment of commitment made to them by the United Nations to exercise their right to self-determination.
It is deplorable that the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has further exacerbated since India’s unilateral and unlawful actions of 5 August 2019. Led by ‘Hindutva’ ideology, the RSS-BJP regime has continued an inhuman military siege and imposed draconian restrictions on freedom of movement and communications.
I urge the international community, especially the Security Council, to exercise its moral, legal, political and diplomatic authority to implement UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
The United Nations faces many challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We are witnessing rise of ultra-nationalist, populist, xenophobic and Islamophobic tendencies. At the same time, international law and agreements are being flouted or set aside. Trade barriers are being imposed and the pandemic is being ‘politicized’.
Pakistan remains committed to supporting the United Nations for realization of our shared objectives of maintaining international peace and security; economic and social development including the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals; and the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
I also reaffirm Pakistan’s abiding commitment to multilateralism. Pakistan would continue to play a leading role in the United Nations for peaceful settlement of international disputes and developing friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, as enshrined in the UN Charter.”
