UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan called for reaffirming the commitment to multilateralism, warning that the very fabric of the world order established under the UN Charter was in “danger of being torn apart” unless timely corrective steps were taken.
“We are meeting today at a time of profound global turbulence,” Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, deputy prime minister and foreign minister, told a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, convened by China on multilateralism and global governance on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Dar highlighted the unresolved conflicts in Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir that threaten world peace and stability. He underscored the need for the 15-member Security Council, to implement its resolutions.
“The Jammu and Kashmir dispute is another open wound and an ever-present threat to international peace and security,” the DPM/FM said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is presiding over the Security Council’s meeting as China holds its rotating presidency for February.
On his part, the DPM/FM referred to a multitude of interconnected crises threatening international peace and security, economic stability and sustainable development.On Afghanistan, Senator Dar said Pakistan continues to face cross-border terrorist attacks, especially by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Afghan soil, and was taking all necessary measures to counter these threats. “The IAG (interim Afghan government) must take decisive action to prevent terrorism within and from Afghanistan,” he stressed. “Despite the cross-border terrorism, Pakistan will continue its engagement with the Interim government in Kabul, facilitate humanitarian support to the millions of destitute people in Afghanistan and support Afghanistan’s economic and social development.”
Pakistan, he added, has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, sacrificing thousands of lives to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent the spread of extremism. “All terrorist groups — Daesh, Al-Qaeda, TTP, ETIM, IMU, and emerging right-wing extremist groups — must be opposed with equal determination,” the DPM/FM said.
The Security Council must become more democratic, representative, and accountable. The IMF and World Bank must ensure adequate and concessional development financing, debt relief, and allocation of special drawing rights. The rapid advancement of science and technology, especially artificial intelligence, poses new challenges. International regulations are urgently needed to ensure these technologies serve peaceful and beneficial purposes.
In conclusion, the DPM/FM said, “A just, peaceful, and prosperous world requires a strong, effective, and truly representative multilateral system, one that upholds the UN Charter, defends human rights and ensures equitable development for all.”
In a related development, The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar exchanged views with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the entire range of bilateral relations, including CPEC, when they met on the sidelines of the UN Security Council meeting.
According to a press release of the Pakistan Mission, the two leaders also discussed “global and regional issues of shared interest,” in a cordial atmosphere.
DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to further elevate bilateral relations with China to higher levels of cooperation and collaboration. On his part, Foreign Minister Wang said that China accorded a special significance to Pakistan in its foreign policy, including its role as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. China would continue to firmly support Pakistan on its core issues and socio-economic development.
The two sides also discussed the speedy implementation of phase II of CPEC and expressed satisfaction with its steady development. The two sides agreed to further expand cooperation under CPEC for harnessing its shared benefits.