UNITED NATIONS, Jan 28: Pakistan expressed its support for the US-led Board of Peace (BoP) during a session at the UN Security Council on Wednesday, aligning itself with the council’s resolution 2803. This resolution reaffirms the commitment to achieving lasting peace based on Palestinian self-determination and statehood as per international law.
‘The international community, particularly this Council, has the responsibility to convert this renewed engagement into tangible progress for the improvement of Palestinian lives,’ stated Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, during the Middle East debate that coincided with the 26-member Board’s announcement.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted that the unresolved Palestinian issue remains central to Middle Eastern instability, mentioning that decades of Israeli occupation have led to dispossession, repression, and the denial of Palestinian self-determination.
He acknowledged the beginning of the second phase of the Peace Plan, which includes the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), the BoP, and Executive Committees as ‘important steps.’ The envoy stressed that these initiatives should help fortify the ceasefire, secure a permanent end to hostilities, facilitate transitional arrangements, enable recovery and reconstruction, ensure large-scale humanitarian aid, and prepare for a sustainable political process toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Ambassador Ahmad also expressed his grave concern over the fragile situation in Gaza, citing ongoing ceasefire violations and the risk to civilian lives. ‘Increasing pressure on international humanitarian organizations, including deregistration measures and restrictions, is hindering aid and protection for the most vulnerable,’ he added.
The Ambassador strongly condemned Israel’s continued attacks on UN premises and the UNRWA, including the recent demolition of the UN compound in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem. He stated that such actions disrupt stabilization efforts and threaten the progress made. ‘UNRWA operations are vital and must be protected.’
Emphasizing Pakistan’s collaboration with Arab and Islamic countries, he mentioned that they have joined the Board of Peace in support of its Security Council-endorsed mandate. He referred to a joint statement by these nations’ foreign ministers, reinforcing their commitment to the peace efforts spearheaded by US leadership.
In that statement, the ministers reaffirmed their dedication to implementing the Peace Board’s mission as a transitional body, aiming to establish a lasting ceasefire, rebuild Gaza, and promote a fair and enduring peace grounded in Palestinian rights, as outlined in international law.
In conclusion, Ambassador Ahmad expressed hope that the BoP, guided by resolution 2803, will lead to tangible actions towards a permanent ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, Gaza’s reconstruction, and realizing the right to self-determination for Palestinians. This would result in an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds as the capital. ‘That is the ultimate goal supported by the global community. Palestinian-led governance and institutional strengthening, with a central role for the Palestinian Authority, are critical,’ he concluded.
