by Mussawer Safi 23 September 2023
Pakistan’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly has always been significant. The country has significantly contributed to international affairs, particularly peacekeeping and sustainable development. Pakistan’s lengthy history and cultural variety give it a sizeable worldwide voice. Pakistan has been an important player in global development, from creating the UN to participating in several committees.
Kashmir’s territory has been a source of tension between India and Pakistan for many years. In addition, Pakistan must address the border issue with its neighbor Afghanistan and Pakistan’s efforts to restore peace in the neighboring country. Additionally, the nation must strive to alleviate its economic difficulties by addressing unemployment and poverty. Pakistan must improve its relations with its neighbors, particularly India, to assure peace and safety in the region.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine affects trade, energy, and agricultural security, making life difficult for the developing world. Due to the conflict, the World Trade Organization (WTO) reports that the price of essential commodities such as petroleum, gas, wheat, and corn has risen dramatically. As significant exporters of food, fuels, and fertilizers, Russia and Ukraine risk experiencing supply disruptions due to the conflict. This may cause shortages, inflation, and food insecurity in numerous world regions.
As a challenge to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law, the conflict threatens global stability and order. Nuclear conflict becomes a distinct possibility if the dispute extends to other countries, such as NATO members or China. The conflict can intensify social unrest and may exceed in African and Middle Eastern countries already suffering politically and economically. If armed conflict breaks out, the United Nations and other global organizations may be hampered in their efforts to achieve global peace, prosperity, and human rights.
Pakistan, as a UN member and developing nation, is worried about the outcome of the war and its possible consequences. If a UN resolution is passed, Pakistan may call for a halt to hostilities, diplomatic dialogue, and respect for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. People in Ukraine, surrounding nations, and countries experiencing economic hardship due to the crisis may benefit from Pakistan’s lobbying for humanitarian assistance at the United Nations. Pakistan may also aid regional organizations such as the OIC and SCO to foster peace negotiations and collaboration between warring parties.
On September 22, Pakistani Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar will address the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Kakar must pay attention to global developments that affect underprivileged nations. He should urge the world’s major countries to cooperate and find peaceful solutions to their differences rather than engage in power rivalry that threatens the interests and security of weaker states. Furthermore, he will call for simultaneous and coordinated action on urgent global issues such as health, climate change, and renewable energy.
Weak international cooperation and the United Nations’ deteriorating ability to serve as a venue for diplomacy and conflict resolution are among the most pressing issues that Prime Minister Kakar must address. He must reiterate that Pakistan will defend the values of the United Nations Charter, including national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rule of law. To prevent more hatred, violence, and discrimination against Muslims and other minority groups, he feels compelled to speak out against the rise of Islamophobia and xenophobia throughout the globe. Pakistan’s Prime Minister must promote global principles such as peace, togetherness, and tolerance for cultural diversity.
Prime Minister Kakar should also emphasize the situation in South Asia, where Pakistan’s eastern neighbor, India, poses a grave threat to the region’s peace and stability. There is a need to expose India’s aggressive and expansionist policies, which have led to several unresolved conflicts in the region, most notably the protracted Kashmir conflict. The prime minister must condemn India’s illegal and unilateral actions on August 5, 2019, which revoked the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and imposed a barbaric military siege on its innocent people. As promised by UN resolutions, he will demand that India cease its human rights violations in IIOJK and allow the Kashmiris to exercise their right to self-determination.
PM Kakar should emphasize Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional cooperation and connectivity, mainly through its flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He need to emphasize that CPEC is advantageous not only for Pakistan and China but also for the entire region and beyond, as it provides opportunities for trade, investment, infrastructure development, and intercultural exchanges. He should invite other nations to join the CPEC and BRI and to partake in their development and prosperity.