The resolution of the Kashmir issue is the obligation of the United Nations Security Council and its permanent members. Pakistan
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who has taken on the presidency of the UN Security Council for July, called on the UNSC and its permanent members on Wednesday to address the Kashmir dispute.
He emphasized the necessity of resolving the Kashmir dispute, which he stated was generating tensions and conflicts between India and Pakistan.
“It is imperative that the Kashmir dispute be addressed, and I assert that this responsibility does not rest solely with Pakistan — we are here temporarily, serving two years as a non-permanent member,” he stated at a packed press conference at UN Headquarters in New York, in response to a query.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar stated, “It is the obligation of the Security Council, especially the permanent members, to ensure the implementation of their own resolutions.”
“That is the path ahead,” he remarked.
Prior to the press conference, the 15-member Council convened and ratified the work agenda for July.
“Our approach is firmly rooted in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereign equality, respect for international law and multilateralism,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar told UN corps of correspondents.
Pakistan will host two key events during its Presidency: a high-level debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” on July 22, and a discussion on UN-OIC cooperation on July 24. Both debates will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar.
Additionally, DPM/FM Dar will preside over the quarterly open debate regarding Palestine on July 23.
The Pakistani envoy stated, “The debates arise from the fact that contemporary crises frequently result from unresolved conflicts, the deterioration of international commitments, and the insufficient application of peaceful methods outlined in Chapter VI of the Charter.”
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar stated that all matters on the Security Council’s agenda are open for discussion at any time, and the longstanding dispute regarding the Himalayan region is included under the India-Pakistan issue.
The UN Security Council has articulated in multiple resolutions that, among other provisions, the Kashmiri people are entitled to self-determination, he stated.
“It is a protracted dispute with multiple dimensions,” the Pakistan envoy stated, highlighting its implications for peace and security, politics and law, as well as human rights.
This issue remains unresolved and is a source of tension and friction between India and Pakistan. It is obstructing the advancement of amicable relations in our region. It is time that this be addressed,” he added.
