During his two-day visit to Pakistan, the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, had a busy schedule, covering diverse areas of interest ranging from disease to drones. His presence on the Independence Day ceremony has earned him immense goodwill amongst the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has traditionally supported the purposes and principles of the UN charter and the UN efforts for maintenance of international peace and security.
While speaking at the National University of Sciences and Technology, UNSG commended the sacrifices made by the Pakistan military as well as the contribution that Pakistan makes to UN peacekeeping forces around the world. Since 1960‚ Pakistan has been contributing troops to UN peacekeeping missions. Out of the 47 troop contributing countries, Pakistan tops in terms of number of troops as well as combat casualties. As of today, 8000 personnel are performing peacekeeping duties, the world over, under the banner of the UN.
Secretary General was quite explicit on the issue of drone strikes, saying that they violated the international law and that drones should be used for the gathering of intelligence rather than as instruments of aggression. He urged that the drones’ usage as a weapon must be subject to international law. Secretary General was concerned about civilian casualties arising out of drone attacks. Britain’s Bureau of Investigative Journalism says the US has carried out nearly 400 drone strikes in Pakistan since 2004, killing up to 3,500 people, including hundreds of civilians. Secretary General’s remarks would be helpful as Pakistan is engaged in a diplomatic campaign to gather critical mass for making its case against the US drone attacks in FATA. Moreover, these comments are well timed as the special rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council is to submit its report to the Council on drone attacks in September.
During his stay in Pakistan, Secretary General was able to have the first hand feel of two ongoing events: monsoon triggered floods Pakistan and India-Pakistan tension across the Line of Control in Kashmir. Rain triggered floods have killed nearly 100 persons across Pakistan and have effected more than 80,000, in one way or the other. He received a comprehensive briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority. Pakistan is likely to need aid to overcome this latest developing natural disaster. Ban Ki Moon’s presence at the start of the crisis would make sure that the requisite and timely help reaches those who need it the most. Expressing sympathies with the victims of floods‚ Ban Ki Moon said that Pakistan is amongst the countries most vulnerable to climate change and natural calamities. He said the UN will work with Pakistan to better prepare it face the natural disasters. He extended UN’s full support to help Pakistan better cope with natural disasters and hoped the country would prioritise education, gender equality, poverty, reduction and sustainable development to meet the Millennium Development Goals. PM Nawaz also shared the Secretary General’s commitment to education, sustainable energy, and food security as well as human rights especially for women, children and minorities.
The UNSG also offered to play a brokerage role in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. On earlier occasion also Ban Ki-Moon has expressed his concern about the lingering Kashmir issue which is one of the oldest items on the UN agenda. This matter would again come under focus during the forthcoming 68th session of the UNGA. There is a need for fresh initiative on the part of the UN to resolve this issue. Pakistan is working for peace and stability in the region. It is Pakistan’s earnest desire to ease tension with India‚ start dialogue and address all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the escalation of tension at the Line of Control is a matter of grave concern for us and the Secretary General. He also hoped “the UN will play its due role in resolving the Kashmir dispute.” He said Pakistan will continue to exercise restraint and act with responsibility. He hoped India will also reciprocate to reduce the prevailing tension. Pakistan seeks a just and peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. It would be worthwhile if the UNSG appoints his special representative on Kashmir to facilitate a meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan and the United Nations have agreed to further strengthen partnership in addressing regional and global issues. The understanding came during a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. Later addressing a joint news conference along with the prime minister‚ Ban Ki Moon said Pakistan has paid an enormous price in its war against terrorism, and the UN will be pleased to support Pakistan in this fight. He said. “I have assured the prime minister that UN will continue to support Pakistan”. Describing the recent general elections as a milestone in the country’s history‚ he said it is high time for both Pakistan and the UN to further deepen their relations in different spheres. Ban said, “I firmly believe we need to widen our lens and look at Pakistan beyond any one dimension, prism or perspective. This is a vibrant, dynamic country full of promises and possibilities.
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan‚ the Prime Minister said that Pakistan wants peaceful and stable Afghanistan and will extend all possible assistance for an Afghan led and owned peace process. Ban said Pakistan was a pivotal global player and an active UN member. The UN chief said he “wholeheartedly welcomes all efforts to tackle serious challenges at home and strengthen relations with your neighbours.” Foreign forces entered Afghanistan after authorization by the UN. Now as these forces plan to get out, a whole range of uncertainties surround the future of Afghanistan. As events in Afghanistan invariably affect Pakistan, there is a genuine concern at government and people level about the unfolding of events in Afghanistan. There is a strong desire amongst the Pakistani intelligentsia that the UN needs to resume the charge of Afghanistan in the form of stationing its Peace Mission for about ten years.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon asked UN’s allied agencies in Pakistan to extend support to contain the growing number of incidents of breast cancer in a meeting with Patron of Pink Ribbon Pakistan. He directed the resident coordinator for Pakistan Timo Pakkala to ensure complete UN support for tackling the disease.
Secretary General’s visit to Pakistan was quite wholesome; it would certainly improve interaction between Pakistan and the UN and narrow the perceptional gaps on mutual, regional and global issues. Hopefully, the government of Pakistan would do necessary follow up to translate the policy articulations into workable action plans for all agenda items of the visit.
