Pakistan Concludes UNSC Presidency, Focuses Attention on Gaza and Middle East

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan wrapped up its month-long presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at a time of escalating conflict in Gaza and the Middle East. The country's mission to the UN expressed appreciation for the UNSC members' cooperation and emphasized its commitment to the UN Charter and its focus on maintaining international peace and security. Pakistan's efforts during its presidency included hosting an open debate on Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, and supporting an inclusive political process in Syria.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan's UNSC presidency from July 2023 highlighted the country's commitment to the UN Charter and its focus on maintaining international peace and security.
  • Pakistan hosted an open debate at the UNSC, calling for an immediate ceasefire and delivery of relief items to Gaza.
  • The country also backed an 'inclusive' political process to stabilize Syria, which has been rocked by clashes between the Druze minority and Bedouin clans that killed over 250 people.
  • Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar advocated for 'universal recognition' of the state of Palestine and its full membership at the UN at a high-level UN conference.
  • During its presidency, the UNSC adopted five resolutions covering issue resolution, Red Sea reporting, Yemen, Haiti, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) elections.
  • Pakistan also hosted a briefing on UN-OIC cooperation and a meeting on adapting peace operations in light of major UN reviews.
  • Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad expressed deep appreciation to UNSC members for their cooperation and collegiality throughout Pakistan's presidency.

Statistics:

  • Over 250 people killed in clashes between the Druze minority and Bedouin clans in Syria.
  • Five UNSC resolutions adopted during Pakistan's presidency, covering various regional issues.
  • The UNSC debated the Palestinian issue during Pakistan's presidency, with DA's push for universal recognition of Palestine.
  • As many as 110 UN member states were represented at the high-level UN conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue.
  • Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attended the conference as part of the country's effort to address the Middle East crisis.

Sources:

  • Pakistan's UN mission statement (July 2023)
  • The Express Tribune News
  • Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar speech at the UN (July 2023)
  • UNSC resolutions adopted during Pakistan's presidency (July 2023)
  • UN Charter (Chapter I: Purposes and Principles)