UNITED NATIONS: At meeting of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif emphasized the pivotal role of social cohesion and inclusive governance in sustaining peace in fragile states.
Speaking before representatives of UN member states, civil society, and regional organizations, Asif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the “peace continuum” — linking prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding in an integrated framework. He argued that while peacekeeping can stabilize conflict zones, only peacebuilding ensures lasting stability through reconciliation, institution-building, and socio-economic recovery.
The Defence Minister highlighted that the root causes of conflict — poverty, inequality, exclusion, unresolved disputes — must be addressed at the national level, with support that aligns with local priorities. He called for “national ownership” of peace strategies, inclusive institutions especially empowering women and youth, and coherent transitions from peacekeeping to peacebuilding.
One of his principal calls was for predictable financing. While acknowledging the catalytic impact of the UN Peacebuilding Fund, Asif cautioned that its resources remain insufficient to scale up from small projects to durable recovery. He urged member states and donors to commit to more sustained and predictable funding streams.
In his address, Asif also praised the PBC’s bridging role between the peace and development pillars of the UN, and appealed for its continued role as a platform that elevates national voices and enables coordination among governments, civil society, multilateral development banks, and regional actors.
His remarks come amid intensifying global focus on fragile and conflict-affected states, and growing demand that international peacebuilding efforts be locally anchored, inclusive, and adequately resourced.
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