logo
UN credibility at stake over Palestine, Kashmir, says Pakistan speaker, as he backs multilateralism

UN credibility at stake over Palestine, Kashmir, says Pakistan speaker, as he backs multilateralism

Arab News2 days ago
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker (NA) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has warned that the credibility of the United Nations system is under threat, according to an official statement on Wednesday, as he called for a return to multilateralism to address long-standing conflicts in places like Palestine and Kashmir.
Speaking at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Sadiq said the international system was being undermined by populism, unilateralism and the politicization of humanitarian principles.
He stressed the need for diplomacy and institutional reform to restore global trust in the system.
'The world has witnessed enough bloodshed,' Sadiq told parliamentary leaders from around the globe. 'It is time for new thinking, time to embrace pluralism, time to respect diversity and time for a new beginning.'
Citing the UN Security Council's failure to resolve protracted disputes around the world, he said peaceful conflict resolution must now be treated not only as a legal obligation, but a strategic imperative.
Coercion and unilateral action, he added, cannot deliver sustainable peace.
Sadiq evoked Geneva's historic role as the heart of diplomacy, recalling that the city had been the birthplace and graveyard of the League of Nations.
He maintained today's multilateral institutions risk a similar fate if they continue to be undermined by narrow nationalism and hegemonic politics.
The NA speaker praised the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2788, led by Pakistan during its recent presidency, which calls for strengthening global mechanisms for peaceful dispute settlement through mediation, arbitration, judicial action and diplomatic engagement.
Turning to the global economy, he said over 100 developing countries are facing debt distress or liquidity crises, highlighting what he described as systemic shortcomings in the international financial and trade architecture.
Sadiq called for urgent reforms to build a fairer, development-oriented global financial system that supports the Global South, enhances economic resilience and reduces inequality.
He also reiterated Pakistan's longstanding call to reform and democratize the UN Security Council, making it more representative, accountable and transparent.
Only such reform, he added, can help restore trust in multilateralism and enable the global system to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pakistani opposition alliance says government trying to ‘eliminate' rivals, calls for joint strategy
Pakistani opposition alliance says government trying to ‘eliminate' rivals, calls for joint strategy

Arab News

time3 hours ago

  • Arab News

Pakistani opposition alliance says government trying to ‘eliminate' rivals, calls for joint strategy

ISLAMABAD: A coalition of prominent Pakistani opposition leaders on Friday called for a unified political strategy to address what they described as a systematic effort to eliminate dissent, condemning recent convictions related to the May 9, 2023, riots and rejecting the legitimacy of the 2024 general elections. The two-day multiparty conference was convened by the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) — or Movement for the Protection of Pakistan's Constitution — a newly formed alliance of politicians, lawyers and civil society leaders advocating for constitutional supremacy and civilian rule. Established earlier this year, TTAP is chaired by veteran Pashtun leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and held its gathering in Islamabad at the residence of former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, who said the capital administration had attempted to block the event by sealing off its original venue. 'There is a clear attempt to eliminate the opposition in this country,' Khokhar said toward the end of the gathering, adding: 'All parties at the conference unanimously agreed that a comprehensive and joint strategy is urgently needed to steer the country out of this crisis.' The conference condemned the convictions handed down to the leaders and supporters of the country's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party over their alleged role in the May 9 unrest. The protests, triggered by Khan's brief detention by paramilitary rangers on corruption charges, turned violent, with attacks on military installations across the country. An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan convicted the leaders of the opposition in the National Assembly and Senate on charges of being involved in the unrest, though the PTI has frequently described such cases and convictions as politically motivated. The government, however, said all those who were sentenced were given fair trials within the legal and constitutional framework. 'Fair trials were conducted in the May 9 cases in accordance with the law,' Information Minister Ata Tarar asserted in a televised statement following the opposition alliance's news conference. 'The proceedings lasted two full years, during which the prosecution presented its arguments and evidence.' The multiparty conference participants also denounced the imprisonment of Khan and his wife, Bushra Imran, and demanded their immediate release. The declaration agreed at the gathering also accused the government of 'fascism and political victimization' and rejected the outcome of the 2024 elections as fraudulent. It also called for repealing the 26th Amendment, which curtailed judicial autonomy by expanding parliamentary oversight of appointments, saying it had undermined judicial independence in Pakistan, and expressed solidarity with six Islamabad High Court judges who had spoken out against institutional interference. Tarar, however, dismissed the opposition's assertions, saying the participants of the conference 'had neither arguments nor facts.' 'Whenever a foreign visit to Pakistan is about to begin, especially by a foreign head of state, such actions are taken to sabotage it and damage the country's economy,' he added, noting that the conference came just ahead of the Iranian president's visit to Pakistan on Saturday.

Finland's President Open to Recognizing Palestinian State
Finland's President Open to Recognizing Palestinian State

Leaders

time4 hours ago

  • Leaders

Finland's President Open to Recognizing Palestinian State

Finland's President Alexander Stubb stated that he is prepared to approve a recognition of a Palestinian state if the government decides to move forward with the proposal, according to AFP. Finland Moves Closer to Recognizing Palestinian State The statement comes at a crucial time as several countries, such as France, Canada as well as Malta have announced their plans to recognize a Palestinian state alongside the 80th UN General Assembly in September. 'The decisions by France, the United Kingdom and Canada reinforce the trend towards recognizing Palestine as part of efforts to breathe new life into the peace process,' Stubb said in a post to X Thursday. While the Finnish President holds limited executive powers, the role includes coordinating the country's foreign policy in close collaboration with the government. 'If I receive a proposal to recognize the Palestinian state, I am prepared to approve it,' Stubb said, deploring an 'inhumane' situation in Gaza. That is why Stubb noted that he understood that Finns had 'different opinions on the recognition of Palestine, and that there is also concern.' Therefore, he calls for an 'open' and 'honest' debate. The far-right Finns Party and the Christian Democrats have voiced opposition to the recognition of a Palestinian state. France, Canada, Malta Pledge to Recognize Palestinian State Last week, the French President unveiled his intension to recognize the Palestinian state at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations in September. Moreover, Malta has announced it will officially recognize the State of Palestine this coming September, joining an increasing number of countries such as France and the United Kingdom amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. 'Malta has consistently supported the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. As responsible international actors, we must help turn the two-state solution from a concept into a reality,' Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at Malta's Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, said. At the same time, Canada also revealed plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September as international pressure on Israel is surging over the ongoing starvation crisis in the Palestinian enclave. 'Canada intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations,' Carney told reporters. Related Topics: Malta to Officially Recognize State of Palestine in Sept. Canada to Recognize Palestinian State at UN, Sparking US, Israeli Backlash France to Recognize Palestinian State, Sparking Outrage from US, Israel Short link : Post Views: 6

Pakistan army chief says China partnership ‘pivotal' for regional peace amid shifting global dynamics
Pakistan army chief says China partnership ‘pivotal' for regional peace amid shifting global dynamics

Arab News

time6 hours ago

  • Arab News

Pakistan army chief says China partnership ‘pivotal' for regional peace amid shifting global dynamics

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday described the country's strategic partnership with China as 'pivotal' for regional peace and stability, as he highlighted the strength of bilateral ties that have endured despite shifting global geopolitics. The army chief was speaking at an event held at Pakistan's military headquarters in Rawalpindi to mark the 98th founding anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). The ceremony was also attended by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, PLA Defense Attaché Major General Wang Zhong and senior military officials from both countries. Munir's statement comes weeks after India's Deputy Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh, claimed China had provided Pakistan with 'live inputs' during a brief but intense four-day military conflict with India in May. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, however, told Arab News prior to that that the outcome of the conflict was a 'victory' that was entirely 'Made in Pakistan.' 'The Field Marshal highlighted that the Pakistan-China strategic relationship exemplifies mutual trust, unwavering support and shared commitment,' the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement circulated after the event. 'He stressed that despite shifting strategic dynamics, the friendship between the two nations has remained steadfast and unshakable.' 'He [also] emphasized that their enduring partnership will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting regional stability and safeguarding shared strategic interests,' the statement added. The army chief also praised the PLA for its role in China's defense, security and nation-building. He described Pakistan and China as 'true brothers-in-arms' whose bond remains 'unique, time-tested and exceptionally resilient.' The Chinese ambassador thanked the Pakistan Army for hosting the ceremony and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to the strategic partnership. He also acknowledged Pakistan's armed forces for their role in counterterrorism. Pakistan and China are long-standing allies and partners in the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The corridor provides China with direct access to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan's Gwadar Port, while enabling Pakistan to modernize infrastructure and expand regional trade links.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store