Mumtaz Hussain
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, addressed the Security Council session on threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said an effective global response to terrorism requires addressing all forms and manifestations of terrorism, including state terrorism emerging in situations of foreign occupation.
He said August 5 marks a sombre day, when seven years ago India imposed illegal and unilateral measures in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He said the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir have been facing injustice, indignity, broken promises and denial of their right to self-determination guaranteed under Security Council resolutions for more than seven decades.
Pakistan said that following the measures of August 5, 2019, the Kashmiri people faced a new wave of repression, which is a continuation of persistent violations of their fundamental rights.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the atrocities committed against the Kashmiri people by more than 900,000 Indian occupying forces are among the worst examples of state terrorism.
Pakistan said there should be no room for such clear manifestations of state terrorism, whether in occupied Jammu and Kashmir or in any situation of foreign occupation.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the international community should ensure that counter-terrorism is not used to suppress the legitimate struggle of people against foreign occupation and their inalienable right to self-determination.
He said terrorism can only be eliminated through comprehensive and coordinated global cooperation without double standards and discriminatory approaches.
Pakistan said it is necessary to address the root causes of terrorism and prevent political agendas that exploit circumstances to fuel terrorism.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said it is imperative to effectively deal with the growing terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan and that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorist activities against any country.
Pakistan said preventing terrorist groups from accessing weapons, ammunition and financial resources is an important part of global counter-terrorism efforts.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said terrorism respects no borders, has no religion and poses an equal threat to all humanity.
Pakistan said reforms are necessary in the UN sanctions regime and counter-terrorism architecture so that all terrorist groups posing a clear threat to international peace and security can be listed.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said Pakistan will continue to play its role as a reliable partner in the international community’s collective efforts to completely eliminate terrorism.
