No to wars

Pakistan's initiative to institutionalise dialogue as a mechanism for peace has received an endorsement from the UN Security Council. A presidential statement from Islamabad - which called on member states to "continue diplomatic engagement even after the outbreak of armed conflicts" - was recognised as the way forward. It is, indeed, a great contribution to international efforts aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully. This squarely means shunning wars and discouraging rival states from going over the brink, even in times of extreme adversity and the breakdown of communication.

This achievement is a de jure recognition of Pakistan's earlier submission to the world body, which called for affirming the importance of peaceful settlements in international disputes. UNSC Resolution 2788, tabled by Pakistan last year, was a breakthrough of sorts; it gathered unanimous support from all major powers and was seen as a South-South stride toward realising the objectives of the UN. The core message is that diplomacy "must not end even if hostilities break out". Moreover, the prospects of dialogue remain "indispensable" at any stage of inter-state relations. The statement, titled "The Role of Diplomacy during Active Hostilities", could not have come at a more opportune moment, as the world sits on tenterhooks amid quasi-peace and uncertainty.

The UN and other regional bodies have long relied on institutional statecraft to manage and resolve conflicts. Thus, this statement is an extension of that spirit, calling for the protection of civilians, the containment of violence, the prevention of conflict spillover and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance. These outcomes can only be ensured through an unrelenting belief in the dialogue process, rather than through coercion and aggression.

This UNSC resolution necessitates deep reflection and extraordinary efforts to see the light of day. It is a pity that the US spent over $8 trillion on wars and conflicts in the post-9/11 era. The reality is that more than 3.7 billion people live in destitution on an income of less than $8 a day, even as global military expenditures exceed $2.7 trillion annually.