ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram on Thursday said that during the year 2020, Pakistan’s key objective at the UN remained highlighting the continued military siege and massive human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).
In a video message, Munir said that the legal, political and moral case for Kashmiris freedom struggle was laid out, citing the Pakistan-sponsored resolution on the peoples to self-determination which was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly.
He said that the Security Council discussed the situation in occupied Kashmir twice in the year and India’s state terrorism was continually exposed. Akram said, “We are also working to counter disinformation networks by alerting the world to the real and present danger emanating from false Indian propaganda through identity theft, technical abuse and false attribution to the UN system.”
India’s state terrorism was continually exposed, and a detailed dossier presented to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“We are also working to counter disinformation networks by alerting the world to the real and present danger emanating from false Indian propaganda through identity theft, technical abuse and false attribution to the UN system,” the Pakistani envoy said.
Pakistan also raised the issue of Islamophobia, and its resolution on “inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue” calling for respect for religious symbols and legitimate restrictions on freedom of expression was adopted by an overwhelming majority by the 193-member Assembly.
He noted that this year both the UN chief and the President of the General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, visited Pakistan highlighting Islamabad’s multifaceted and vital relationship with the UN. Pakistan’s key role in facilitating the Afghan peace process and its efforts to ensure a lasting peace led and owned by Afghans projected.
The General Assembly also adopted four Pakistani resolutions on regional disarmament, conventional arms control, and confidence building measures at regional levels and negative security assurances.
As one of the top troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping, the role of Pakistani blue-helmet was greatly appreciated, with 69 Pakistani peacekeepers awarded medals in the Liberian mission.
Pakistan had the honour of presiding over the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) following the election of Ambassador Akram to the post. He led the UN’s economic arm amidst a global pandemic that has brought unprecedented economic and social challenges.
Pakistan advocated for a strong people-centric international response to coronavirus based on solidarity and cooperation to support global economic recovery, achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while addressing the challenges faced by developing countries.
During the Special Session of the UNGA on Covid-19, Prime Minister Imran Khan presented a comprehensive 10-point agenda aimed at supporting developing States in the recovery process, and advocating a strong call for an equitable and universal access to vaccines, while giving priority to vulnerable groups.
On Climate Change, Ambassador Akram said that this year will be remembered for Pakistan’s bold leadership and ambition, highlighting the need for investments in sustainable infrastructure to eliminate poverty to build back better.
“The Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN is committed to serve to the fullest of its abilities as a viable member state at the United Nations,” Ambassador Akram said.
