Pak begins UN Security Council presidency; pledges transparency, multilateralism
'Pakistan undertakes this responsibility with a deep sense of purpose, humility and conviction. Our approach will remain anchored in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect for international law, and a steadfast commitment to multilateralism,' the Foreign Office said in a statement.'Pakistan's Presidency will be transparent, inclusive and responsive,' Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) correspondent at the UN, as he prepared to face the challenges ahead.Ambassador Iftikhar, who will preside over the Council meetings on key global issues in July, said he was fully aware of the complex geopolitical scenario, growing instability and threats to international peace and security, marked by rising conflicts and deepening humanitarian crises.advertisementHe has already met with UN Secretary General Antnio Guterres and briefed him on the Council's programme of work in July.'As a country that has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, Pakistan brings a principled and balanced perspective to the Security Council's work shaped by its own experience, and longstanding contribution to UN's peacekeeping and peace-building efforts,' the Pakistani envoy said in the interview.'We look forward to working with all Council members for collective, timely action by the Council in line with its primary responsibility under the Charter and expectations of broader UN membership,' he added.The Foreign Office statement further said that the Presidency will convene two high-level signature events during July: an open debate on 'Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes', to be held on July 22; and a briefing on 'Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)', scheduled for July 24.Both meetings will be chaired by Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, who will also preside over the quarterly open debate on the Question of Palestine on July 23, it added.FO also said that Pakistan looks forward to working closely with all Council members to promote timely and united action, in line with the Council's Charter responsibilities and the expectations of the international community.advertisementPakistan's earlier terms on the Council were in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976- 77, 1968-69 and 1952-53.- Ends
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
36 minutes ago
- News18
SCO Summit: India, Pakistan And The Curious Case Of Missing Fingers
How Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's SCO gambit is a case of a Bharat rising confidently, self-assuredly and surefootedly Not every agreement inked from a position of strength translates into strategic triumph. The 1971 war is a telling reminder. Bharat's decisive victory split Pakistan, created Bangladesh, and saw 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendering in Dhaka—one of the most humiliating defeats in modern military history. Yet, just months later, the Simla Agreement of 1972 exposed how battlefield gains could be squandered at the diplomatic table. Despite explicit warnings from then RAW chief RN Kao to 'count her fingers" after shaking hands with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mrs Indira Gandhi fell for his charm, unilaterally agreeing to release the Pakistani prisoners without even securing the return of Indian soldiers languishing in Pakistani jails. If all treaties signed from a point of strength are not success stories, then all treaties not signed aren't failures either. Last week, when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the SCO's joint statement on countering terrorism, he not only safeguarded Bharat's core security interests but also offered a glimpse of a country willing to stand firm—alone if necessary—in pursuit of its national priorities. The Defence Minister's conduct at the SCO summit reflects a growing confidence, maturity, and self-assuredness of the country while dealing with global powers. Unlike in the past, when New Delhi would have been tempted to make a compromise for the sake of 'consensus" or 'regional solidarity", today's Bharat doesn't mind walking that extra mile on treacherous terrains if the country's long-term interest so demands. The SCO draft statement was a watered-down document that, with Chinese collusion, sought to downplay Pakistan's terror connections. It also refused to acknowledge, far less condemn, Islamabad's sinister role in not just waging but also spreading global jihad. What particularly irked New Delhi was the refusal to give the dastardly Pahalgam attack a place in the draft statement. For Bharat—having borne the brunt of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for decades—any endorsement of such a document would have compromised its core security interests. More so in the wake of the much successful Operation Sindoor, where Bharat drew for Pakistan—and the world—a new Lakshman Rekha on terrorism. Critics argue that Bharat should reconsider its engagement with institutions like the SCO, given their internal dynamics and frequent tilt against Bharat's interests. But there is a compelling counterpoint: Bharat's very participation forces these blocs to confront their inconsistencies. By attending and then refusing to endorse a flawed document, Bharat highlighted the SCO's duplicity on terrorism. New Delhi's presence gives the SCO a democratic legitimacy, especially when most of its member states lack genuine democratic credentials. At the same time, it does moderate the innate anti-Bharat tendencies of such institutions. Yet, the incident is also a reminder of the solitary nature of Bharat's fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The West's support often stops at rhetoric. Washington's Bharat policy is still largely China-driven, focused on counterbalancing Beijing rather than addressing Islamabad's terror machinery. Europe, preoccupied with internal crises, besides being wary of disturbing its fragile equations with Islamic states, rarely ventures beyond routine condemnations, followed by an exhortation to both sides to return to talks. Russia, Bharat's time-tested partner and an SCO member, finds itself increasingly aligned with China, compelled by geopolitical realities and economic compulsions after the Ukraine war. Moscow's growing dependence on Beijing inevitably narrows the space for unequivocal support to New Delhi, especially on issues where Chinese and Pakistani interests converge. Perhaps the most sobering takeaway from the SCO saga is the fact that Bharat is, in many ways, alone in its fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan. While Western capitals may occasionally put up rhetorical support in Bharat's favour, very few will be willing to shun, far less confront, Pakistan for its terror connections. However, the path ahead is not without challenges. Bharat will likely face more such moments where standing up for its core interests may mean standing alone. The international system is inherently transactional. Allies shift their positions, interests evolve, and moral arguments often give way to strategic calculations. This reality makes it imperative for Bharat to continue diversifying its partnerships—deepening ties not just with the Quad countries but also with nations in Europe, ASEAN, Africa, and the Middle East. Simultaneously, Bharat must persist in exposing Pakistan's duplicity on terror at every available forum, denying Islamabad the international space it needs to whitewash its record. Be that as it may, the fact of the matter is that Bharat's conduct at the SCO summit reflects the case of a confident, self-assured, and surefooted nation. Yes, there is this concern of finding itself isolated on the international platform, but one needs to see it in the larger context of Bharat rising at an unprecedented pace and scale—a pace and scale that seem to be unnerving its friends and foes alike. The next couple of decades will be critical. As Bharat continues its unprecedented economic and geopolitical ascent, it will inevitably unsettle entrenched interests, both among rivals and even some partners. How deftly Bharat navigates this phase—balancing assertion with strategic partnerships, principle with pragmatism—will determine how swiftly it cements its place as a global power. The good thing is, as Rajnath Singh's resolute stance at the SCO shows, Naya Bharat not just counts the fingers after shaking hands with other powers; it has also started making them accountable if some of the fingers go missing after the handshake! About the Author Utpal Kumar Utpal Kumar is Opinion Editor, News18 and Firstpost. He can be reached at He tweets @utpal_kumar1 First Published:
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Film Body Urges PM Modi To Ban Digital Presence Of Pakistani Artists In India
New Delhi: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has issued a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a complete and permanent ban on the digital and media presence of all Pakistani nationals and entertainment-related entities in India. In a statement shared through its official X account, the association expressed concern over the reappearance of Pakistani actors and media channels on Indian digital platforms. PRESS RELEASE Date: 2nd July 2025 From: All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Subject: Urgent Appeal to Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji Regarding the Reappearance of Pakistani Artists' Social Media & Channels in India – AICWA Demands Immediate and… — All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) July 2, 2025 AICWA cited the active social media presence of Pakistani celebrities such as Mawra Hocane and Yumna Zaidi, along with several Pakistan-based entertainment outlets, calling it "an emotional assault" on the families of victims of terrorism. "This is not merely a digital appearance, it is a direct insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers," the association said. It referenced terror attacks including 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and Pahalgam as part of its appeal, reiterating its long-standing position that Pakistan is responsible for continued cross-border terrorism. AICWA also raised objections to statements allegedly made by Pakistani public figures following India's recent Operation Sindoor, stating that "instead of showing remorse, several Pakistani artists have shamelessly spoken against India." Highlighting the cultural disconnect already in place from Pakistan's side, AICWA pointed out that Indian films and content remain banned in Pakistan since the Pulwama attack. The association questioned why Indian platforms should allow any exposure to Pakistani artists under these circumstances. The appeal further stated, "India has diplomatic and cultural relations with nearly 200 nations across the globe. Cutting off Pakistan completely will have zero negative impact on our economy or entertainment industry." The organisation called for a nationwide digital blackout of Pakistani social media accounts and media channels, a ban on all future collaborations involving Pakistani citizens across Indian media, OTT platforms, advertising and a permanent cultural disconnect with Pakistan, as a tribute to India's armed forces and martyrs. The Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and injured several others, was widely condemned by Indian officials and has significantly heightened public sentiment against cross-border terrorism.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Several Pakistani Accounts Blocked During Op Sindoor Reinstated After Govt Review: Sources
Last Updated: Restrictions were imposed earlier this year during India's Operation Sindoor counter-terror campaign. Some Pakistani news websites and social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities which were banned during India's counter-terror operation Operation Sindoor have resurfaced on social media. It is unclear if those restrictions have been lifted or not as there is no official announcement lifting the ban by the government. However, government sources speaking to News18 said that 'following a periodic review, some social media accounts have been reinstated" but majority of the handles remain blocked. The government sources pointed out that some '14,000 accounts on some social still remain banned". They further added: 'Upon the review, it has been observed that some of these platforms which have been reinstated have not spoken anti India language for a while, which was the main reason for blocking them". The sources said: 'Accounts cannot be permanently banned and are subject to regular reviews as part of the standard process". The ban, part of India's Operation Sindoor counter-terror effort, targeted major Pakistani media outlets including Dawn News, Geo News, ARY News, Bol News, Samaa TV, GNN, Suno News HD and The Pakistan Reference, among others. Together, these channels accounted for an estimated 63 million subscribers. The crackdown also extended to sports and entertainment channels such as Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket and Hum TV, as well as individual journalists and content creators. Pakistan public and sports-related personalities whose accounts faced ban included Umar Cheema, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, Irshad Bhatti, Razi Naama, Wasay Habib, Arzoo Kazmi, Syed Muzammil Shah and former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. Several of them also faced restrictions on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), as the ban widened in early May 2025. The restrictions were imposed amid cross-border information warfare and attempts by these Pakistani social media cells to manipulate Indian public sentiment. A notable example of Pakistani cricketers and celebs spreading misinformation was that of Shahid Afridi, who criticised the people of India and the Indian Army. In early May 2025, Shahid Afridi's YouTube channel was one of the Pakistani platforms blocked in India. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: July 02, 2025, 20:15 IST
