Pakistan secured 156 out of 186 votes. Five countries abstained while 25 votes were declared invalid. No vote was cast against Pakistan, a press release from Pakistan embassy in Paris said on Thursday.
The other countries elected from Asia-Pacific group are Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan.
Pakistan's re-election to the membership of Unesco executive board is being seen as historic because it took 50 more votes than the number of votes it secured during its last election in the year 2007.
It is the highest number of votes Pakistan has secured since1999. The increase in popularity of Pakistan in Unesco ranks is being seen as an acknowledgement of the country's principled and strong stand on various issues.
This year Pakistan was able to secure Arab votes because of its active and effective role on the question of admission of Palestine to the Unesco.
The effective representation of Pakistan by Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali, the chairperson of Unesco programmes and external relations committee, played an important role in securing higher position in terms of votes.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Paris also undertook an extensive lobbying campaign before the elections.
Pakistan's re-election to the executive board with overwhelming support coupled with its recent election to UN Security Council as non-permanent member has enhanced its influence at International forum and has added to the strength to its voice among the comity of nations.
It is also an acknowledgement of Pakistan's principled stand on international issues.
COMMENTS (6)
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Good I think. Now PAK will protect cultural heritage sites of minorities in Pakistan ?
Pakistan achieves strategic depth in UNESCO.
Conratulations ,to the Pak ambassoder at Peris for his tireless efforts for adding a feather in the counyry's cap . Mind it your resosibility will is also going to increase , and it seems to me that you are compitant enough to deal with. Good luck .
we need to take educated politicians in our Assembly , lets make them educated FIRST...so they can run PAK in positive way...
Guess the oft repeated narrative that everyone makes Pakistan out to be the bogeyman may be worth thinking over.
Khair comic relief aside, I just hope that Pakistan discharges her responsibilities as a constructive member of this board.
Congratulations. However I would suggest that rather than playing politics on a UN educational organization why not spend the time/energy on educating your own people?