NEW YORK: Pakistan’s acting Ambassador to the United Nations, Usman Jadoon, emphasized that a lasting peace cannot be achieved globally until oppressed populations, specifically in Kashmir and Palestine, are granted their right to self-determination. He made this assertion while addressing a 23-member delegation from the US War College at the Pakistan Mission in New York.
Ambassador Jadoon pointed to the right of self-determination as a fundamental tenet of the UN Charter and stressed Pakistan’s consistent stance on the issue. He briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s role within the United Nations and detailed the nation’s position on various international and regional matters, particularly the Kashmir conflict, which Pakistan seeks to resolve through peaceful means.
Referring to the UN Security Council resolutions, Jadoon highlighted that these provide a framework for resolving the Kashmir dispute through a UN-supervised plebiscite to determine the will of the Kashmiri people.
Addressing concerns related to terrorism, the Pakistani envoy spoke about Pakistan’s extensive sacrifices in combating terrorism. He warned that Afghanistan has become a stronghold for the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has used Afghan territory to repeatedly attack Pakistan. Ambassador Jadoon expressed concern over the TTP’s possible alliances with other extremist groups, particularly Al-Qaeda, and outlined the potential threats this could pose to regional stability.
Ambassador Jadoon noted that Pakistan aligns with international expectations for inclusivity and the empowerment of women in Afghanistan, emphasizing, however, that counter-terrorism must also be prioritized.
He also discussed the challenges facing developing countries, mentioning Pakistan’s efforts toward achieving sustainable development goals and tackling climate change, provided there is access to concessional financing. Mounting debt, rising fuel prices, and escalating commodity costs have created significant obstacles for developing economies, he explained.
Highlighting Pakistan’s advocacy for international financial reforms, Ambassador Jadoon called for an equitable system that aids developing countries in bridging development gaps. On the issue of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, Jadoon stated that Pakistan, as part of the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group, opposes any increase in permanent members, asserting that it would only heighten existing gridlocks within the Council. Pakistan instead supports expanding non-permanent seats to enhance the Council’s effectiveness and representation.
The session concluded with a question-and-answer exchange, where members of the delegation inquired about issues including the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, India-Pakistan relations, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, climate threats, counter-terrorism, and Pakistan’s agenda as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.
