Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reiterated its steadfast support for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Libya, emphasizing that a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process remains the only viable path toward lasting peace, stability, and reconciliation in the country. Delivering Pakistan&rsquo;s statement during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on Libya and the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, thanked ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan for presenting the Prosecutor&rsquo;s 31st report pursuant to Security Council resolution 1970 (2011), said a statement shared by Pakistan&rsquo;s mission to the UN on X on Saturday.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2057918030944846108&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=67e6182b53c08c969d763e97ce417781c3f778d8&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 656px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2057918030944846108"></iframe></div></div>He took note of the developments outlined in the report, including progress in investigative activities, cooperation with Libyan authorities, and engagement with international and regional partners. Ambassador Ahmad also noted the commencement of pre-trial proceedings following the surrender of El Hishri to the Court &mdash; the first surrender of a suspect to the ICC in the Libya situation. He underscored that accountability efforts should reinforce the broader objective of peace and reconciliation in Libya. Ambassador Ahmad stressed that consistency, objectivity, fairness, and non-selectivity are essential for maintaining the legitimacy and credibility of international accountability mechanisms.&nbsp;Credible, impartial accountabilityWhile stating that Pakistan is not a party to the Rome Statute, the ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to credible and impartial accountability for serious international crimes through the uniform application of international law. He further emphasized the importance of constructive cooperation between the ICC and Libyan authorities in implementing Security Council resolution 1970, while fully respecting Libya&rsquo;s judicial sovereignty, national institutions, and legitimate concerns. The ambassador underlined that national ownership and capacity-building should remain central to all accountability efforts. Pakistan also expressed support for all Libyan-led initiatives aimed at preserving judicial unity, strengthening constitutional oversight, upholding the rule of law, and advancing institution-building in the country. In conclusion, Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s support for all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, reconciliation, and durable institution-building in Libya.

Foreign Affairs

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad highlights importance of fairness and consistency in international accountability mechanisms at the United Nations.

At UNSC, Pakistan reaffirms support for Libya’s sovereignty, Libyan-led political process

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, while speaking at the UN Security Council&rsquo;s debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 12, reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in line with the UN Charter.&nbsp; The ambassador&rsquo;s statement was shared on X on Wednesday through the mission&rsquo;s official handle.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2054291222983065688&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fdashboard%2F&sessionId=1b9d6ff8bc1ba213dfda54cdd58db8b6422a32e8&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 768px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2054291222983065688"></iframe></div></div>He expressed his concern that &ldquo;Lately, the political landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone rapid changes that do not augur well for the overall political environment in the country, particularly its fragile inter-ethnic balance.&rdquo; Ambassador Ahmad said, &ldquo;regrettably, political tensions have continued to affect the governance setup, with institutional paralysis exacerbating the, administrative, legislative and constitutional challenges.&rdquo; &nbsp; He highlighted that &ldquo;While the security situation in the country remains stable, certain developments, especially the incessant divisive and inflammatory rhetoric with ethnic and religious undertones, targeting and singling out one constituent people, remains a disturbing reality.&rdquo; &nbsp; &ldquo;We cannot afford to forget the horrid history of this region,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Srebrenica genocideAmbassador Ahmad said, &ldquo;The conflict, including the infamous Srebrenica genocide that engulfed the region, did not begin with the first shot or the first atrocity; it started with words &mdash; dehumanizing hate speech and rhetoric aimed at deliberately stoking inter-ethnic fear and division, casting neighbors and fellow citizens as existential threats.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Such divisive sentiments must never be allowed to take root, again, and deserve our unequivocal condemnation,&rdquo; he stressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dayton Accord&nbsp;The Pakistani ambassador said, &ldquo;lasting peace, enduring stability and sustained progress and development of all peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina can be best achieved by adhering to the fundamental principles enshrined in Dayton Accord.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;We also recognize Bosnia&rsquo;s right to choose its own partnerships and a path towards integration in regional political and economic organizations as it deems fit,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; The envoy further said, &ldquo;We remain hopeful that the political leadership in the country would exercise prudence and act responsibly to find ways for engaging in a constructive and meaningful manner to settle their differences and work cooperatively for the welfare of all the peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lsquo;Burden and the opportunity&rsquo;Ambassador Ahmad said, &ldquo;The burden and the opportunity both rest with the constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina themselves &mdash; the Bosniaks, the Croats, and the Serbs alike. They must, collectively, reject divisive and dangerous narratives, and promote dialogue, trust, harmony and cooperation to build a future together, in peace and shared dignity.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Country’s representative to the UN says, ‘Lately, the political landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone rapid changes that do not augur well for the overall political environment in the country, particularly its fragile inter-ethnic balance.’

Pakistan at UN reaffirms Bosnia's sovereignty, warns against divisive rhetoric

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has urged international attention toward &ldquo;systemic annexation&rdquo; of the occupied West Bank by Israel.&nbsp;This was said in a statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, at the Arria Formula meeting on the situation in West Bank including East Jerusalem held on Friday. In his statement, shared on X by Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Mission to the UN on Saturday, Ambassador Ahmad stated, &ldquo;While international attention is consumed by multiple crises across the region, the systematic annexation of the occupied West Bank, expansion of illegal settlements, demolitions, land seizures and forced displacement of Palestinians continue unabated, and this requires our attention.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2052855422407823867&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=2972af924f26f3b371baffdc0f8494bca3dc472e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 696px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2052855422407823867"></iframe></div></div>The ambassador underscored &ldquo;Israeli policies and illegal actions, unprecedented in scale and impact are undermining the prospects for a viable Palestinian state.&rdquo;&nbsp; He said Pakistan condemns &ldquo;Israel&rsquo;s ongoing legislative and administrative measures aimed at entrenching its illegal occupation and transforming de facto annexation into de jure control.&rdquo;&nbsp;Illegal settlements&nbsp;The ambassador demanded that those actions must be reversed immediately.&nbsp; He said that &ldquo;In nearly four years, the occupying power has approved 102 new settlements, nearly doubling the 127 settlements that existed previously.&rdquo; &ldquo;At the same time, settler violence is escalating at an unprecedented rate,&rdquo; Ambassador Ahmad said, urging, &ldquo;All settler violence and settlement activities must cease, in full compliance with international law and relevant Council resolutions, including 2334.&rdquo;&nbsp;&lsquo;Deteriorating humanitarian situation&rsquo;&nbsp;He also expressed alarm at the &ldquo;deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation&rdquo; in the occupied Palestinian territory.&nbsp; Ambassador Ahmad said that the &ldquo;annexation is on full throttle as we have been briefed&rdquo;, adding, &ldquo;The urgency for intervention is clear.&rdquo;&nbsp; Reiterating Pakistan&rsquo;s position on the issue, he said, &ldquo;Pakistan reiterates that the only viable path to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East lies in ending the illegal Israeli occupation of all Arab territories and realizing the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, through the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.&rdquo;

Islamabad’s ambassador to the UN says, ‘the systematic annexation of the occupied West Bank, expansion of illegal settlements, demolitions, land seizures and forced displacement of Palestinians continue unabated, and this requires our attention.’ 

Pakistan urges global attention to ‘systematic annexation’ of occupied West Bank

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad held talks with Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, as diplomatic efforts intensify to contain the economic and humanitarian fallout of the US-Israel war on Iran across the Middle East. According to Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the two sides &ldquo;exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East&rdquo; and reviewed ongoing United Nations efforts aimed at promoting peace, humanitarian relief and regional stability. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2052974950579855592&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=eac3326042f26325c5e276537660d3a625c7c448&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 745px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" spellcheck="false">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The meeting comes as the region faces mounting pressure from a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, renewed maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and widening disruptions to energy supplies, shipping routes and humanitarian operations. Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic channel in recent weeks, facilitating exchanges between Washington and Tehran as both sides weigh proposals aimed at ending the conflict and preventing wider regional escalation.

Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and UN official Jorge Moreira da Silva review peace and humanitarian efforts in the Middle East as Islamabad continues diplomatic engagement to support regional stability and relief operations.

Pakistan, UN review peace and humanitarian efforts in Middle East

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, said that Marka-e-Haq proved to be a defining moment of national strength and strategic clarity for Pakistan. &ldquo;Marka-e-Haq reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity,&rdquo; said the Pakistani diplomat in a message on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq on Friday.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2052590050253132196&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=caf7f3235e0d0a87ccc65ae0f38173891d9e2458&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 897px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2052590050253132196"></iframe></div></div>Ambassador Iftikhar said that Marka-e-Haq also made clear that aggression cannot be disguised as a &quot;new normal&quot;, nor can false narratives be allowed to manufacture legitimacy for coercion or conflict in South Asia. He further said that Pakistan always desired peace, but peace cannot rest on denial, violation of international law and unilateralism.&nbsp; &ldquo;Durable stability in South Asia requires the peaceful settlement of disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,&rdquo; he explained. Ambassador Iftikhar assured that Pakistan will continue to promote dialogue, diplomacy, cooperation and peaceful coexistence, guided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.&nbsp; &ldquo;This commitment was also reflected in the Pakistan-led, unanimously adopted Security Council Resolution 2788 on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes in July 2025.

Pakistan’s permanent envoy to the UN said that Marka-e-Haq also made clear that aggression cannot be disguised as a 'new normal', nor can false narratives be allowed to manufacture legitimacy for coercion or conflict in South Asia.

Marka-e-Haq defining moment of Pakistan’s strategic clarity: Ambassador Iftikhar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday urged a stronger United Nations (UN) peacekeeping role and the need for an immediate ceasefire in DRC Congo, said a press release shared by Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Mission to the UN on X on Friday. Pakistan voiced concern over the continued deterioration of the security situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that ongoing offensives and territorial expansion by AFC/M23 are undermining confidence in peace efforts and complicating implementation of MONUSCO&rsquo;s mandate, the statement said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2037335349974671757&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=adfd6a342647e915de2db6184b35155c220c71ea&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2037335349974671757"></iframe></div></div>Addressing the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the DRC, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, underscored the urgency of stabilizing conditions on the ground and said MONUSCO remains relevant as an impartial presence capable of supporting peace efforts and strengthening protection of civilians in current circumstances. Ambassador Ahmad said that Pakistan remains particularly concerned about developments in North and South Kivu. Cessation of hostilitiesHe noted that despite commitments undertaken under the Doha Framework and the Washington Agreement, AFC/M23 continues its offensives and territorial gains. Pakistan stressed the need for full implementation of Security Council resolution 2773, including cessation of hostilities, M23&rsquo;s withdrawal from areas under its control, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. The statement further said that Pakistan took note of progress toward operationalizing ceasefire oversight and verification arrangements. &ldquo;This includes agreement on the terms of reference of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism and initial preparatory steps undertaken by MONUSCO, as mandated in resolution 2808,&rdquo; it added. However, the ambassador emphasized that an actual ceasefire has not yet taken hold on the ground. In this context, he supported the secretary-general&rsquo;s emphasis on a phased and conditions-based approach to MONUSCO&rsquo;s potential role in ceasefire monitoring.&nbsp;Security of peacekeepersAmbassador Ahmad said that prerequisites outlined by the Secretary-General&mdash;particularly those related to freedom of movement, access to key infrastructure, and the safety and security of peacekeepers&mdash;must be met for MONUSCO to perform any monitoring role meaningfully. He stressed that protecting peacekeepers must remain central to decisions on MONUSCO&rsquo;s posture. The Pakistan Permanent Representative also highlighted the operational impact of contingency planning cuts. He said that 2,674 troops, military experts, police personnel, and civilian staff were repatriated or downsized, and that of the 11,500 troops authorized by the Council, only 7,879 remain on the ground. He said reduced troop levels, civilian staffing, and intelligence and surveillance capabilities have adversely affected mandate delivery and increased risks for peacekeepers. He stressed that any additional responsibilities for MONUSCO, including potential ceasefire monitoring tasks, must be matched with commensurate resources and capabilities. Ambassador Ahmad said that MONUSCO&rsquo;s experience, logistical reach, and presence in key population centers remain critical, and expressed openness to a strengthened role for the Mission, including in South Kivu, once conditions permit. He also reaffirmed support for diplomatic efforts led by the African Union, alongside initiatives by Qatar, the United States, and the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, anchored in respect for the DRC&rsquo;s unity and sovereignty.

Reaffirms support for diplomatic efforts led by the African Union, alongside initiatives by Qatar, the United States, and the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, anchored in respect for the DRC’s unity and sovereignty.

Pakistan urges need for immediate ceasefire in DRC Congo

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a Pakistan-hosted side event on the margins of the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) emphasized that education and financial inclusion are essential to advancing women&rsquo;s empowerment and sustainable development, said a press release shared on X by Pakistan&#39;s Permanent Mission to the UN on Saturday.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 864px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2032659588319760585&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=f6c1300bdc2b7a06187cd45187bce83ff7dd2c75&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2032659588319760585">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The event, titled &ldquo;Empowerment of Women in Pakistan: The Role of Education and Microfinance in Advancing Justice and Equality,&rdquo; was organized by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations in collaboration with the Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA), a US-based non-profit organization.&nbsp; The discussion brought together diplomats, academics, civil society representatives, and policymakers to examine how education and economic opportunity can strengthen women&rsquo;s rights and participation in society. Participants stressed that empowering women through education is not only a social development goal but also a strategic investment in the future of societies.&nbsp; Countries that educate girls tend to experience stronger economic growth, greater resilience, and more inclusive development. Empowerment through education&nbsp; Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, said women&rsquo;s empowerment through education remains both a constitutional commitment and a national development priority for Pakistan.&nbsp; She highlighted that Article 25-A of the Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education for every child. She noted that federal and provincial governments have taken steps to expand access to education by building schools in underserved areas, improving school infrastructure, and increasing scholarships.&nbsp; Programs such as the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund and Waseela-e-Taleem under the Benazir Income Support Programme, she said, provide conditional cash transfers to encourage families to keep girls in school. Senator Butt also highlighted efforts to align education with employment opportunities, noting that institutions such as the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission are integrating vocational, technical, and digital skills into education systems to improve women&rsquo;s employability.&nbsp; She added that Pakistan&rsquo;s growing microfinance ecosystem and initiatives like the Kamyab Jawan Program are enabling women to access credit and establish small businesses. At the same time, she acknowledged that extremist groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have targeted schools and educational infrastructure in some areas, affecting opportunities for girls. Girls&rsquo; access to educationDespite these challenges, she said Pakistan remains committed to policies that expand girls&rsquo; access to education and promote women&rsquo;s economic participation. In his opening remarks, Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, noted that millions of girls around the world continue to face barriers to education due to poverty, discrimination, displacement, and conflict. He said these challenges are often intensified in conflict situations, where instability and insecurity disrupt schooling and limit opportunities for girls. Ambassador Asim pointed to the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as examples where conflict and restrictions have significantly affected access to education. &ldquo;For many young girls, the simple act of going to school, something that should symbolize hope and opportunity, has often been overshadowed by insecurity and uncertainty about the future,&rdquo; he said. The ambassador emphasized that linking education with economic opportunities is essential to transform learning into empowerment.&nbsp; Technical and vocational training initiatives, digital skills programs, and university-based innovation and incubation centers, he said, are helping prepare young women to participate in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. Pathway out of poverty Maha Khan, chairperson of MALA, highlighted the long-term impact of girls&rsquo; education, noting that educating one girl can uplift entire families and communities.&nbsp; She stressed that education becomes truly transformative when it leads to meaningful economic empowerment and when governments, institutions, and communities work together to support it. Dr Beverley Barrett of Lumen Veritas LLC underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to women&rsquo;s empowerment that combines education, governance, technology, and cultural change.&nbsp; While acknowledging progress in Pakistan&rsquo;s education enrollment and women&rsquo;s labor force participation, she noted that significant gaps remain and sustained political commitment will be necessary to address them. Afreen Mushtaq, a Fulbright scholar from Pakistan, shared her personal journey from Orangi Town in Karachi to higher education at the Institute of Business Administration Karachi and Harvard Business School.&nbsp; She described education as a pathway out of poverty, particularly for girls from underserved communities, and said educating one girl can create a ripple effect across families and communities. The discussion was moderated by Saima Saleem, counsellor at Pakistan&rsquo;s Mission to the United Nations.&nbsp; The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session in which students engaged panelists on challenges, opportunities, and the way forward for advancing women&rsquo;s empowerment.

Speaker Asim Iftikhar at Pakistan-sponsored event call for prioritizing financial inclusion & education to drive women's empowerment. (Photo: APP)

Americas

Pakistan at a U.N. event highlighted education and financial inclusion as key drivers of women’s empowerment and economic opportunity.

Pakistan-hosted UN event highlights education, financial inclusion as key to women’s empowerment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, on Thursday accused India of engaging in &ldquo;water terrorism&rdquo; and urged the international community to ensure adherence to the Indus Waters Treaty during a Security Council briefing on &ldquo;Energy, Critical Minerals, and Security.&rdquo; Addressing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/disrupting-indus-waters-treaty-poses-immediate-humanitarian-security-risks-pakistan-at-un" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">water resources</a>, Ahmad said: &ldquo;This applies equally to water, the most critical of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/indias-indus-treaty-abeyance-breaches-international-law-pakistan-tells-un" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">natural resources</a>.&rdquo; He added that &ldquo;shared water resources are indispensable for sustaining life, and for sustainable development and prosperity.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 721px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2029705649064640652&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=5c93a164c4385a40ae1731c435bc75a3afefd2f6&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2029705649064640652"></iframe></div></div>&ldquo;We reject the weaponization of water to choke this lifeline for lower riparians, also threatening regional peace, security and stability,&rdquo; he said. India&#39;s &#39;water terrorism&#39;&nbsp; Referring to India, Ahmad said: &ldquo;Pakistan itself is confronted with water terrorism by India that has resorted to unilateral and unlawful action of putting in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty in violation of international law and the provisions of that Treaty.&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;International community must impress upon India to return to full compliance with the Indus Waters Treaty, which remains valid and in-force as per the August 2025 award of the Court of Arbitration.&rdquo; Speaking at the session, Ahmad said: &ldquo;Access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy is essential for development, stability and prosperity.&rdquo; He added that the global shift toward renewable energy, electric mobility, battery storage, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and grid modernization has &ldquo;sharply increased the demand for critical minerals.&rdquo; &ldquo;This upsurge has generated new geopolitical and geo-economic pressures,&rdquo; he said, warning that &ldquo;if not managed responsibly, competition over natural resources can affect supply chains, aggravate tensions, undermine sovereignty, and contribute to instability.&rdquo; Highlighting risks in conflict-affected regions, Ahmad said: &ldquo;Experience shows that where mineral wealth intersects with weak governance, entrenched poverty and external interference, the risks of instability increase.&rdquo; He noted that &ldquo;illicit extraction, trafficking networks and opaque financial flows have fuelled armed conflict and violence, weakened state institutions and deprived populations of legitimate revenues.&rdquo; He said, &ldquo;The scramble for natural resources and its linkage to conflict and instability is therefore not new.&rdquo; Ahmad added that Pakistan believes &ldquo;natural resources must serve as instruments of economic development and shared prosperity, and not coercion or conflict.&rdquo;

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, on Thursday accused India of engaging in 'water terrorism' and urged the international community to ensure adherence to the Indus Waters Treaty during a Security Council briefing on 'Energy, Critical Minerals, and Security.'



Pakistan urges action on India for Indus Waters Treaty compliance

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan told the UN Security Council (UNSC) that years of fighting in Ukraine have proven there is no military solution, urging all sides to pursue restraint, ceasefire, and a renewed commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. &ldquo;Pakistan has stated that the continued fighting in Ukraine over the years has made it amply clear to all the stakeholders that there is no military solution to the conflict,&rdquo; said a press release shared by Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Mission to the UN on its X account on Friday. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1991644595986526420&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=dd0b837670ac8363ea19a5b5da4113d92dc99ca5&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&ldquo;Pakistan again reiterated its call for all parties to demonstrate restraint, take meaningful strides towards de-escalation, and work earnestly towards a ceasefire through a sustained and meaningful dialogue process,&rdquo; it said. &quot;Delivering the national statement in the UNSC on the situation in Ukraine, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the UN, regretted that the diplomatic momentum generated at the start of the year by the adoption of UNSCR 2774 &ndash; which perhaps could have been more effective if it were endorsed unanimously, has yet to bear fruit,&rdquo; the press release said. &lsquo;Push for peace&rsquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;We welcome the renewed push for peace, including mediation efforts by T&uuml;rkiye and Qatar. A solution that is acceptable to all relevant parties can silence the guns and ensure lasting peace,&rdquo; he said. He said that given the complex historical context and the intricate nature of the Ukraine conflict, Pakistan believes that the path forward should be guided by wisdom and dialogue rather than continued hostilities and confrontation. Ambassador Iftikhar urged all parties to demonstrate political will, engage in a meaningful, structured, and result-oriented dialogue that addresses the security concerns of all sides; most importantly, it is anchored in the principles of the UN Charter and international law; and respects the relevant multilateral agreements, the press release said. &ldquo;A ceasefire is the first logical and necessary step in this process,&rdquo; he maintained. &lsquo;Dialogue and diplomacy&rsquo;&nbsp;He said that Pakistan is a firm believer in the power of dialogue and diplomacy and will continue to support all endeavors aimed at resolving the issue peacefully and in a just, comprehensive, and durable manner. He said that Pakistan is deeply perturbed by the expansion of hostilities, targeting of civilians and civil infrastructure, and the exponentially mounting humanitarian toll. &ldquo;Protection of civilian lives and infrastructure should remain paramount. We reiterate the call for upholding the principles of International humanitarian law,&rdquo; he added.

Pakistan reiterates ‘call for all parties to demonstrate restraint, take meaningful strides towards de-escalation, and work earnestly towards a ceasefire’; welcomes the ‘renewed push for peace, including mediation efforts by Türkiye and Qatar.’

Articles tagged with "Ambassador Asim Iftikhar"