UNITED NATIONS, Jan 28: Pakistan has declared its support for the US-led Board of Peace (BoP) under the UN Security Council’s resolution 2803, reaffirming a commitment to lasting peace through Palestinian self-determination and statehood in line with international law.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the international community’s responsibility to effect tangible change for the Palestinians’ benefit. This statement came during a UN debate on the Middle East situation, coinciding with the announcement of the 26-member Board of Peace.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted the prolonged Palestinian issue as a core instigator of Middle Eastern instability, noting that years of Israeli occupation have led to dispossession, repression, and denial of Palestinians’ self-determination.
He recognized the progress marked by the Peace Plan’s second phase, including the setup of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), the BoP, and Executive Committees. These measures aim to reinforce the ceasefire, secure hostilities’ cessation, enable recovery and reconstruction, provide large-scale humanitarian aid, and establish a viable political process towards Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Ahmad also expressed grave concerns regarding Gaza’s fragile situation, with persistent ceasefire violations and civilian risks. He criticized deregistration and operational constraints imposed on international humanitarian organizations, hindering aid and protection efforts for vulnerable groups.
The ambassador condemned Israel’s assaults on UN premises and the UNRWA’s operations, including the recent demolition in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem. Such actions undermine stabilization attempts and threaten the progress attained so far, emphasizing UNRWA’s mission’s essential nature.
Pakistan, alongside other Arab and Islamic nations, has joined the Peace Board in support of its mandate under Security Council resolution 2803. In a joint statement, foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, endorsed by resolution 2803. The plan focuses on achieving a permanent ceasefire, Gaza’s reconstruction, and pursuing a just and lasting peace founded on Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Ambassador Ahmad expressed hope that the BoP, influenced by resolution 2803, would foster decisive steps toward a lasting ceasefire, enhance humanitarian aid, initiate Gaza’s reconstruction, and achieve the Palestinians’ self-determination through a credible political process. This process should culminate in an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital.
“This is the ultimate goal, supported by the international community. Palestinian-led governance and institutional strengthening, centered on the Palestinian Authority, are essential,” the Pakistani envoy stated.
