ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan has renewed its call for a lasting resolution to the decades-old Kashmir dispute, urging the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to fulfill its responsibility in implementing its own resolutions on the matter. The call came as Pakistan assumed the rotating presidency of the UNSC for the month of July.
Kashmir at the Forefront as Pakistan Takes Council Presidency
Speaking at a press conference at the UN Headquarters in New York on July 1, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the unresolved Kashmir issue continues to fuel tensions between India and Pakistan, and requires immediate international attention.
“It is time that this (Kashmir dispute) be addressed… I think it’s the responsibility of the Security Council itself, and particularly the permanent members, to see that they take certain steps to actually get their own resolutions implemented,” said Ambassador Ahmad.
The ambassador emphasized that the Security Council must act decisively to uphold its resolutions, which include provisions for the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Programme for July: Focus on Peaceful Dispute Resolution
As president of the Council for July, Pakistan plans to convene two key signature events:
A high-level debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” on July 22.
A session on UN-OIC cooperation scheduled for July 24.
Both meetings will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, who will also lead the quarterly open debate on Palestine on July 23.
Ambassador Ahmad said the presidency would focus on enhancing diplomacy and addressing unresolved conflicts globally:
“We aim to: reflect on the effectiveness of dispute settlement mechanisms; discuss obstacles to implementation of Council decisions; explore ways to enhance diplomacy, mediation and technical support; and reinforce the commitments made in the Pact for the Future to preventive diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution.”
Kashmir: A Multi-Dimensional Dispute
The Pakistani envoy reiterated that the Kashmir dispute remains on the Security Council’s agenda under the “India–Pakistan question.” He described it as a “festering issue” with security, political, legal, and human rights dimensions.
“It is a cause of tensions and frictions between India and Pakistan. It is impeding the development of friendly relations in our region. It is time that this be addressed,” he said.
Pakistan’s Role at the UN
Pakistan began its current two-year term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in January 2025, having secured 182 votes out of 193 in the General Assembly. This marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the Council, with previous terms including 2012–13, 2003–04, and 1993–94.
The monthly presidency rotates among the Council’s 15 members in alphabetical order, giving Pakistan a temporary but influential role in setting the Council’s agenda for July.
Ambassador Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter and its guiding principles, including sovereign equality, peaceful dispute resolution, international law, and multilateralism.
