Islamabad has made the promotion of global peace, peaceful resolution of conflicts and regional partnership its top priorities. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and current President of the Security Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, while talking to journalists in New York, said that this is Pakistan’s eighth term in the Security Council and we will discharge this responsibility with deep commitment and a sense of responsibility. He said that the main focus of the Council’s work during July will be on the UN Charter, the use of diplomatic channels, respect for state sovereignty and multilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Asim said that Pakistan will host two important high-level meetings during this month. The first of these will be held on July 22, the theme of which will be: “Multilateral Cooperation and Peaceful Resolution in Promoting International Peace and Security.” The meeting will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, in which a briefing by the UN Secretary-General is also expected. The second prominent meeting will be held on July 24, which aims to highlight the cooperation between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The meeting will highlight the diplomatic and humanitarian services of the OIC and emphasize strengthening peace efforts in the Middle East, North Africa and other regions.

The Ambassador of Pakistan clarified that the quarterly open debate of the Security Council will also be held under the chairmanship of Pakistan, in which the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian issue will be discussed at the ministerial level. This meeting will highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasize the need for an immediate ceasefire and a permanent solution. Responding to a journalist’s question, he spoke about the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and said that the resolution of this dispute is indispensable for lasting peace in South Asia. He said that this is not only Pakistan’s problem but also the responsibility of the Security Council, especially its permanent members, to ensure the implementation of the resolutions they have adopted.

Under Pakistan’s presidency, the Security Council will also consider issues related to Colombia, Haiti, Cyprus, Sudan, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. Ambassador Asim said that if the regional situation requires it, emergency meetings can also be called. He said that Pakistan will adopt a transparent, inclusive and participatory approach during its presidency. Continuous contact will be maintained with UN member states and the media and briefings and consultative meetings will be held regularly. Pakistan will also try to promote the principles of transparency, coherence and accountability in the subsidiary bodies working under the Security Council, such as the Taliban Sanctions Committee and other working groups. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed said at the end of the press briefing that Pakistan will try to make the work of the Council effective, productive and in line with the needs of global peace. He said that we consider the presidency as an opportunity to set an example of positive and effective diplomacy in the world from the UN platform.