Astana (TDI): The Ambassador of Pakistan to Kazakhstan, Nauman Bashir Bhatti, has submitted the instrument of ratification of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Secretariat, its personnel, and Representatives of Members of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to Secretary General, Ambassador Kairat Sarybay.
The instrument of ratification was handed over, during an official ceremony at the CICA Secretariat on April 8, 2025.
The step marks a significant step towards the Convention’s entry into force, reflecting Pakistan’s strong commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework of CICA.
Talking about the Convention, the Secretary-General remarked, “The Convention is one of the fundamental documents of our organization. The immunities and privileges granted by the Convention are an essential institutional feature, as they facilitate the effective functioning of the Secretariat, ensure the smooth work of its personnel, and enable the representatives of Member States to participate freely in CICA meetings.”
📣 Read the full press release on #Pakistan’s deposition of the ratification instrument of #CICA’s Convention on Privileges & Immunities — a testament to 🇵🇰’s steadfast commitment to strengthening the organization’s legal & institutional foundations
🔗 More details:… https://t.co/RCIOYOHTG5
— CICA (@CicaSecretariat) April 9, 2025
Furthermore, during the ceremony, the Secretary General of CICA appreciated the efforts of the Government of Pakistan for its constructive participation and engagement with CICA.
He said, “I express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for continuous support of CICA and its activities. Pakistan is a founding member of CICA, actively participates in its governing, working and advisory bodies, as well as in events to implement confidence building measures, and has always demonstrated a constructive approach, readiness for dialogue, and the search for mutually acceptable solutions.”
He stated that the proactive support of Pakistan serves as a commendable example to other CICA member states and hoped that the remaining states would soon follow and submit the ratification instrument.
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Active participation and ratification of the instrument by other members would enable the Convention to enter into force quickly.
Thirteen member states of CICA have so far completed the ratification process including Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, and Turkey.
During the last two years, other countries including Bangladesh, China, Jordan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and the State of Palestine have joined and ratified CICA.
Only one more ratification of the instrument by a member state would bring the Convention into force.
Javaria Khalid is a Web Contributor at The Diplomatic Insight Magazine. She specializes in covering geopolitical developments, international relations, diplomatic, and socio-economic developments in Europe and Pakistan.
