“Given the volatility of the situation [in Afghanistan], it is perhaps understandable that there is a high level of anxiety and emotions. But we must not lose sight of the goals,” a confident Khar told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
Khar’s speech seemed tailor-made for the current tensions between Pakistan and the US. “We must not rush to judgements or question each other’s intentions. Pakistan is also firmly committed to promoting stability and peace in Afghanistan,” she said.
Pakistan respects and supports the efforts of the Afghan government under the leadership of President Hamid Karzai for reconciliation and peace, she added.
“A cooperative endeavour, in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, is the only sure way of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” Khar said.
Reiterating that Pakistan has the will to fight terrorism, she said that notable success against al Qaeda and its affiliates has been registered in recent years. “It is well known that following the Tora Bora bombing and consequent dispersal of al Qaeda, it was Pakistan’s intelligence and security agencies that interdicted a large number of al Qaeda operatives. Very recently, Yousuf Al Mauritani, the chief operative of al Qaeda, was arrested in a joint ISI and CIA operation,” she said.
“Eliminating terrorism is in our national interest,” Khar said, adding that Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terror and militancy is irrevocable.
Khar also said that Pakistan intends to make its engagement with India fruitful.
“I am happy to note that both Pakistan and India are now engaged in a substantive dialogue process; a dialogue process that we in Pakistan hope will be uninterrupted and uninterruptable,” she said. “We look forward to resolving all outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”
Security Council seat
“At this session of the General Assembly, Pakistan is seeking election to a seat on the Security Council,” Khar announced.
In a bid to stress Pakistan’s commitment to the UN, Khar said that the country attaches high importance to UN peacekeeping functions and is a major troop contributor to the UN peacekeeping force. “Pakistan has consistently been among the top UN peacekeeping contributors for many years. We have over 10,000 troops in the UN Blue Helmets.”
She also expressed Pakistan’s support for Palestine’s membership request to the United Nations. “Pakistan has always upheld the realisation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to an independent homeland. President Mahmoud Abbas made an historic and memorable case for his people. We support the quest of the State of Palestine for membership in the United Nations,” Khar said.
Earlier, Khar hosted a reception for her counterparts from across the world, also attended by Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna along with his country’s UN ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri. Last year, Pakistan voted for India when it won a non-permanent seat.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2011.
COMMENTS (40)
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We are tired of hearing the great speeches by our President, Prime Minister and now Hina Khar, while the ground situation in Pakistan is degrading everyday. Pakistan is sailing without a compass or a rudder. Nobody likes a country where a six year old is held accused under blasphemy law. Shame on all of us.
Ignore the Negative Indian comments . . . .they are on the same old march of 'Putting Pakistan down'. Three cheers for Hina - keep up the great personality and great job!! Congragulations Hina Rabbani Khar!!!!!
@Mirza: Thanks for sharing that article. I am sure many of our brothers would not care to read or already made up their mind.
@Imtiaz Ahmad: The very fact that we have to scream out loud that we are not terrorists and we are brave shows trouble in our selves. Not punishing the culprit amongst us makes you equally culpable or complicit in crime. Thats the law any where in world. Why would someone make exemptions for us. I don;t agree all of us are brave. If that was true some of us would not blow themselves amongst crowded places where common innocent citizens hang out or pray. Irrespective of who ever brain washed or trained those numb skulls it only shows that our faith in religion is so weak that we can blow ourselves up in name of religion. Our tolerance to anybody who does not agree with us is so low that we immediately respond with violence. Please prove me wrong. And please don't give me examples of American or Indians. If they do wrong does not mean we have to do far greater wrong. It is their army which kill people. In our country army, citizens ( look at Karachi), mullahs, terrorists and even judicial system in name of blasphemy law ( read Asa Bibi) kill innocents civilians. Where is the bravery you are speaking of ? Why such a hollow claim ? Why claim something for which others will think of you as a fool and mock you more. Why such a false pride ?
@Imtiaz Ahmad: If Pakistanis are not terrorists, why is it that many Pakistanis or people of Pakistani origin have been charged with terrorism offences in USA, Canada, Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy and so on?
Why the sudden praises for Rabina Khar. Are you not the bunch rhat were making noise about her qualifications and degrading her in ET. I see that you have been promoted to class II from class I "CONGRULATIONS " yare progressing.
I watched the speech…seemed a lot of baloney to me. Why go on about how Pakistan is a responsible member in the comity of nations, a promoter of peace and harmony BLAH BLAH BLAH. The people who are listening do have an idea what the situation on the ground is and the reputation Pakistan has built for itself in the past decade. When you talk like this it just makes the whole thing such a farce. Instead the minister should have drawn the world’s attention towards the devastating floods and the fact that the world at large needs to do more to help Pakistan in this situation. She should have talked about the need for nations to invest in Pakistan (education, infrastructure, energy etc.) and help build deeper economic and trade bonds.
I don’t understand why Pakistan always holds the welfare of its people at ransom to uphold a sense of false pride that is driving the nation deeper into the abyss. It is a case of ‘Emperor’s new clothes’
Pakistan and Pakistani nation are facing worst days of the era. They have finished every thing in so called war against terrorism. They have destroyed there country, image and people as well. Still America and India want to do more? Please let them live peacefully as before. Pakistanis are not terrorists, they are only brave people who don't play here and there like other cunning nations. So please let them live as they have right to live..........Thanks.
This is the exact message which needed to be delivered. Just like in this comment section, Indians are pulling Pakistan down at each platform in Europe, in USA, in Asia but Asian countries are well aware of these Indian tricks. By the way, India needs better diplomatic efforts than Pakistan because of its bad relation with all of its surrounding countries.
basicaly she wants to show the love with dearland[pakistan].she knows that I am the representater of my country.
Well done Khar! You are doing great and have demobstrated courage and intelligence to the Pakistani people!
@Nadir: She was addressing to President of United States Mr.Obama.
@Junaid K - ".....Mass graves accepted by New Delhi", there lies the big difference my friend between both the nation - acceptance of mistake.
Anyways having read both (India and Pakistan) speeches, I was glad that there was no mention of Pakistan by our PM Mr. Singh. Far too much importance given already.
@geeko: Is there a need to fool Pakistan? As it is, they are doing an excellent job themselves. When a schoolgirl is punished for a mis spell, we know where Pakistan is heading. Wonderful speeches at UN will not do the job.
@Mirza The list of demands does not end...I do not think Pakistan's action against Haqqanis will be the American's last demand...The list of demands from US continues and we do not see any end. Pakistan is not Iraq, where Iraqi people were welcoming NATO to eliminate Saddam regime. At this time all Pakistanis are with the Pakistan's Govt., Establishment and Army.
On the eve of Hina's speech, NY Times has this heading about Pakistan that most Pakistani papers have ignored:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/world/asia/pakistanis-tied-to-2007-attack-on-americans.html?_r=1&hp
What? This speech was going to make America tremble and put across Pakistan's point of you to a global audience? And no mention of the support required for the victims of the ongoing floods? Hello!!!!!
@Mirza: Since when Indians fool Pakistani public ? You mean Bollywood ?
@Mirza: Yes, Two things they are going to do. 1) They are going to Ban Hindu terrorists Like you on this forum 2) They are going to tell India to stop State terrorism in kashmir where 2000 people found in Mass Graves and accepted by new Delhi and stop State Terrorism against Pakistan from the Spy dens of Afghan Pakistan Border areas of Indian consulates..and Stop and hand Over to Pakistan the Indian State Sponsored Terrorist Col. Prohit who killed scores of Pakistani citizens. They are going to demand Just that to eradicate Terrorism from Asia.
Who cares what Pakistan "Believes" in? What matters is the state of affairs within Pakistan!
Good Speech Overall! I do not agree with the part where she is asking for world`s help on all the issues Pakistan is facing. I think these are our issues and we need to solve them. There is no point in begging all the time. We just need to be sincere with our nation. No need to bother about the issues all over.
Where is that forceful presentation of Pakstan's views on Haqqani-US fiasco? Its a very toned down speech which in effect is an indication that things have calmed and cooled. Back channel diplomacy has worked and both the countries have resorted to solving problems in closed doors instead of public. Looks Good!
I wish to believe.
If what is said is true, then let PAK show it in action. Stand up for oppressed, the weak, and stand up for harmony- Free Asia Bibi, recognize hindu marriages, abolish second amendment to the PAK constitution. Otherwise all are empty words.
Does she even believe in anything she has said here? Full of hot air. The State of Pakistan's conduct in global affairs as a bad actor contradicts every iota of wisdom expressed here.
Lets accept LOC as final border between india and pak, and lets move on in life. let the kashmiris decide which side of kashmir they want to settle down...there are lot more serious things to do in life....Otherwise, I am going to see the same draft in 2050, and i will right away tell my grand children, you see, i do have similar draft which i copied from express tribune way back in 2011.Greetings from India !
Without credibility and sincerity the words ring hollow!
Good speech, now it is up to the UN to accept her vision.
A job welldone indeed. Lot of substance,honesty, and truthfully presented.Among all the speeches delivered this was one of best. A country who has leaders who are commited to and are not scared to speak out and tell other world leaders that Pakistan wants to live and coexist with harmony and friendly way with it's neibhours , should be given noble medal for peace. Mrs. Khar is an intelligent ,gracefull and very polite and attractiive leader . May the Lord bless Pakistan, it's leaders and it's people. People of Pakistan are inspite all they are faceing are very resilient nation. I pray God bless this country and bestow all the good fortunes forever and forever. Amen
I did not read the full text for Minister's message but on a quick look she has always talk about aspirations of Kashmiris and Afghans. What about the aspiration of Pakistanis??? Why don’t you think in that line? By the way, I am an Indian.
A juvenile killed his parents. Then when the judge was about to pronounce his sentence , the juvenile, pleaded for mercy , because he was an orphan now. See any similarities ?
whew....it must be excruciating for these diplomats to sit through all these speeches that mean absolutely nothing.
Which Mr. President was she referring to? Wasn't she supposed to address the Secretary General?? And why didnt she mention the floods and the millions suffering? Now dont be shocked when the world continues to ignore our plight when we hardly pay any attention to it ourselves! I guess our own citizens are not as important as our strategic assets!!
First we must learn to be part of United Nations.. On one hand we talk about peace, and on the other, clearly say that we will not go against troublemakers within our own borders that disturb peace in neighbors. On one hand we talk about de-weaponization, on other we have the largest Stock of N weapon and is fastest growing in the world, One hand we talk stopping arms race, other hand spend 70% of national budget on army, one hand talk about UN resolution on Kashmir, on other ourselves destroy the resolution by instigating proxy violence, keep troops, allowing national parties in elections. One hand shout about problems of muslims everywhere, but stay blind when China massacres thousands brothers in Xinjiang every year..... why this double game? Tit for Tat is never the solution. Unless we keep our own house in order, follow human rules, abide by international laws, unless we do the right thing ourselves first, we dont have the morality to lecture other countries. One finger outward, makes a 100 finger point at us.. and thats exactly whats happening today.
It is a text book speech. How does she think she delivered her message to group of people who have already made up a mind ? Western countries do not believe in well articulated speech. This idea of impressing other by medium of well drafted and politically correct words is an art of past and sorry to say only works on less educated leaders. The world and leading nations including our great friend China believes on actions more than words. And by actions we can certainly try to fool others and our own people but you cannot fool those who taught you this trick on the first place. Instead of being defensive and personal about Haqqani group, why has our Prime Minister Mr. Gillani our our esteemed military leader Mr Kayani has not explained to people why they will not attack Haqani ? We have not provided any suggestion, let alone the workable solution on how to eliminate Haqqani group ? Why is our government constantly dodging attacking that group ? We are proving what westerns blamed our policy of harboring Haqqani so in Afghan end game we can place him in Afghan thereby establishing a puppet in our neighbor. Pakistani people can be fooled not the defense or security analyst around the world who see this and our national leaders have done very little to negate such claims. When your action speaks louder than intentions and people start pointing out to you, best action is to keep quite if you don't intend to fix the action. It is utterly stupid that we start chest thumping and challenging USA. And on whose assertion and support ? China ? I respect China and love that country but any educated person will know that what drives China is the global market and not the trade isolation. if USA indeed decides to attack us, there will be no savior. Sometimes you need to be smart then becoming mad with pride. Khuda Hafiz. May Almighty give some sense to our leaders and save the innocents of Pakistan.
Thank You Madam Foreign Minister.
Good speech.. :) I think, she delivered better than Prime minister.
Is Pakistani establishment going to do something about the terrorists or not? Are they with the civilized world or with the terrorist assets? They cannot play both at the same time. They were unmasked after being found in bed with OBL. Speeches mean nothing to the world, they are waiting for action and clear answer. Let us stop fooling the world like we do to Pakistani public.