On 75th anniversary, UN reminded of unfulfilled Kashmir promise

We are witnessing rise of ultra-nationalist, populist, xenophobic and Islamophobic tendencies, says premier

ISLAMABAD:

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have called for the implementation of the Security Council resolution and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting UN objectives on the 75th anniversary of the world body’s foundation.

In their separate messages, the president and the prime minister said that the 75th anniversary of the United Nations was a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, for the fulfilment of their right to self-determination.

“All the UN bodies, including the Security Council, must press the Indian government to end atrocities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), lift the continuing military siege, and remove restrictions on communication movement and peaceful assembly,” Alvi said.

“They should also press India to revoke new domicile rules designed to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory, rescind unilateral and unlawful actions since August 5, 2019, and establish a commission of inquiry to investigate human rights violations by the Indian forces.”

The president said that Pakistan joined the international community in marking the landmark 75th UN anniversary. Born out of ashes of war and destruction, he said, the UN represented the triumph of global solidarity, goodwill and friendliness.

“On this auspicious occasion, Pakistan reaffirmed its abiding commitment to multilateralism and the cardinal principles and purposes of the UN Charter, which espouses respect for international law, territorial integrity of states, non-use or threat of use of force, and right of peoples,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his separate message, reminded the world body of the unresolved dispute of Jammu and Kashmir despite being on its agenda for over seven decades and called for the implementation of the UN resolutions on Kashmir.

“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,” he stated.

The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan had 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,” he said.

The prime minister observed that the UN faced many challenges amidst the Covid-19 pandemic as the rise of ultra-nationalist, populist, xenophobic and Islamophobic tendencies were being witnessed.

However, he added, Pakistan remained committed to supporting the UN for the realisation of the shared objectives of maintaining international peace and security; economic and social development including the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals; and the protection of human rights.

Blue helments

On 75th UN anniversary, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Pakistan had consistently remained one of the largest and most effective troops contributing country over the years, playing a significant role in normalising war-torn communities and maintaining law and order

An ISPR press release said that Pakistani soldiers, serving in the UN peacekeeping missions have also played their part in ensuring successful transition of political dispensation through supervision of elections in several countries around the world.

“Pakistan has contributed more than 200,000 troops in 46 mission and 28 countries in almost all continents of the world. With the spirit of sacrificing our today for the world’s tomorrow, 158 Pakistani peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives, including 24 officers,” the ISPR said.

“The very roots of our commitment with UN for promoting international peace and security stems from the vision of the Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which stipulates Pakistan’s resolve to make utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world, while upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter,” it added.

Pakistan is the first country to deploy Female Engagement Teams (FETs) in peacekeeping missions. Currently three FETs, comprising 47 lady officers are deployed in the UN missions Congo and CAR.

(With input from APP)