Pakistan urges more ‘consistent, courageous & faithful application’ of UN Charter
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan Thursday called for the upholding and application of international law, including the core principles of the UN Charter, more ‘consistently, courageously and faithfully’ to protect rules-based order, with no selective compliance or legal exceptionalism.
Speaking at the International Law Year in Review 2026 Conference in Singapore, Ambassador AsimIftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, drew attention to India’s “illegal and unilateral” act of putting into abeyance the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which regulates water sharing between the two neighbours, as he urged a pushback against any erosion of treaty compliance.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad, who was addressing the concluding session of the Conference titled ‘International Law in Action,’ also advocated restraint over use of force, and called for ‘better and fuller’ implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, according to a press release of the Pakistan Mission to the UN.
On Pakistan’s perspective on the primacy of international law for the maintenance of international peace and security and sustenance of the rules-based international order, he said referred to the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2788 under Pakistani Presidency in July last year, which, he said, reaffirms the centrality of peaceful settlement of disputes despite a deeply divisions in the 15-member body.
Appreciating the work of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Law Commission (ILC), Ambassador Asim Ahmad emphasized the need for progressive development of international law in the face of new and emerging challenges including AI, cyber, and autonomous weapons.
The Pakistani envoy noted that despite the challenges, the vast majority of member states have deep faith in the UN and multilateralism.
He stressed the need for the continued efforts to reform and adapt the UN and the Security Council structures to the contemporary ideals of democracy and accountability – a reform that does not exacerbate the fundamental flaws entrenched in permanent membership and veto, rather enhances the relative weight and power of the elected members.
Furthermore, Pakistan has called for faithful implementation of the recent ceasefire agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed Kurdish-led group, in an effort to advance Syria’s stability and security and uphold its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity after years of devastating conflict in the Arab country.
“All state institutions and security structures must operate under a single, central framework to ensure effective governance,” Ambassador UsmanJadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on Thursday.
In this regard, he also welcomed the Presidential decree concerning the Kurdish community, pointing out that measures aimed at ensuring equal citizenship, cultural and linguistic recognition, and inclusive participation were important to strengthen social cohesion and national reconciliation.
“Inclusivity and respect for diversity remain essential for sustainable peace,” the Pakistani envoy said.
Thus Syria, he said was witnessing “positive movement” on political and institutional tracks and encouraging progress on recovery and reconciliation.
At the same time, Ambassador Jadoon voiced serious concern over the persistence of terrorist incidents and the presence of foreign terrorists fighters, with Daesh and other groups, including foreign terrorist fighters, continuing to exploit the situation.
Pakistan, he said, condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and underscores the need for sustained counter-terrorism efforts, including disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in line with international obligations.
Also, despite Syria’s continued efforts to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic avenues, repeated violations of Syria’s sovereignty by Israel undermine stability and risk further escalation, the Pakistani envoy said.
He reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to stand with Syria and its people, to support an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process, to uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
“We remain ready to work with Council members, regional partners, UN entities and the international community to enable the brotherly Syrian people to rebuild their country in dignity and stability for achieving lasting peace and prosperity.” APP
