Islamabad, 30 October 2021 (TDI): Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, organized an event to mark the 76th anniversary of the United Nations (UN). The event took place on 29th October at Foreign Office, Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Sohail Mahmood, was the chief guest. Heads of diplomatic missions, officials from UN agencies based in Islamabad, UN staff members, and senior government officials attended the event.
The event featured cooperation between UN agencies and Pakistan in diverse areas including health, food security, environmental protection, and socio-economic development.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Address
Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary, Sohail Mahmood, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism. He said, “Multilateralism was, and will remain a linchpin of Pakistan’s foreign policy”.
He lauded the role of UN in fostering peace, stability, and order in the world. The Foreign Secretary said, “UN plays a crucial role in promoting peace, security, development and protecting human rights for all”.
Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood also highlighted Pakistan’s constructive contribution in taking forward UN agendas including peacekeeping missions, refugee protection, humanitarian assistance, climate change, and international cooperation for sustainable development.
Moreover, he informed the participants that Pakistan has served as a member of the UN Security Council for seven terms. It has presided over the Economic and Social Council six times. Additionally, Pakistan is the first country to deploy Female Engagement Teams (FETs) in peacekeeping missions. The country also hosts one of the oldest peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
Furthermore, the Foreign Secretary raised for the rights of the Kashmiri people. He remarked that UN’s mission of decolonization will not be completed until liberation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He added, the people of Kashmir are still waiting for their inalienable right of self-determination as per United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
Moreover, speaking on the developments in Afghanistan, the Foreign Secretary appreciated UN Secretary General for convening international humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. This would assist the country in preventing a humanitarian and economic crisis. He said Pakistan is playing its due role in this regard.
Lastly, the Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude for all the UN agencies, funds, and programs operating in Pakistan. He said these missions helped the country in advancing its socio-economic objectives. The Foreign Secretary also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to UN goals.
UN Resident Coordinator remarks
Additionally, the UN Resident Coordinator, Julein Harneis shared his views on the occasion. He apprised the participants about the UN’s multifaceted activities in Pakistan. He also appreciated the role of Pakistan in Afghanistan, especially the successful and efficient conduct of evacuation operations and provision of much-needed humanitarian assistance.
Besides, a video message of UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, was played on the occasion. Moreover, a youth representative also shared her expectations from the UN in combating the contemporary challenges.
