NEW YORK: Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s envoy to the United Nations (UN), provided a comprehensive briefing to a delegation from the National Defence University (NDU) of Islamabad regarding pertinent international and regional issues on the UN’s agenda and Pakistan’s proactive role within the organization.
Led by Major General Naeem Akhtar, the Chief Instructor of NDU, the 12-member delegation is currently in the United States to attend a National Security and War Course.
Ambassador Akram underscored Pakistan’s active engagement across all UN organs, particularly emphasizing issues of vital interest to the country. He highlighted Pakistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2025-26 term, affirming that if elected, Pakistan would contribute significantly to promoting international and regional peace and stability.
Regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Ambassador Akram emphasized Pakistan’s persistent efforts to ensure the implementation of Security Council resolutions and to draw global attention to human rights violations in the Indian-occupied territory. Pakistan’s substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide were also noted.
Aligned with the principles of the UN Charter, Pakistan’s stance on various regional and global issues was articulated by Ambassador Akram, who acknowledged the UN’s significance as a multilateral forum where developing nations could voice their concerns despite its imperfections.
Addressing Pakistan’s national security challenges, Ambassador Akram identified terrorism as a primary threat, acknowledging the nation’s significant sacrifices in combating this menace.
Furthermore, Ambassador Akram briefed the delegation about Pakistan’s active involvement in negotiations related to the September Summit of the Future and the forthcoming conclusion of the Pact for the Future, aimed at reshaping the global order.
Acknowledging the evolving external environment marked by technological advancements, geostrategic conflicts, and climate change, Ambassador Akram emphasized the need for nations to adapt to these changes, transitioning from a unipolar to a “bipolar plus” world order.
The session concluded with a question-answer segment where participants discussed challenges in peacekeeping, the ongoing Gaza conflict, the UN Security Council’s paralysis, and Sino-US competition. Additionally, the delegation visited the UN Headquarters, where they were briefed by the Office of Military Affairs (OMA) on peacekeeping operations.
Ambassador Usman Jadoon, the Deputing Permanent Representative, and officers from the Pakistan Mission also attended the briefing.
