UNITED NATIONS, Jan 28: Pakistan expressed its support to the UN Security Council on Wednesday by joining the US-led Board of Peace (BoP), aligned with the 15-member body’s resolution 2803. This resolution reaffirms a commitment to achieving lasting peace through Palestinian self-determination and statehood, in accordance with international law.
“The international community, particularly this Council, has the responsibility to translate renewed engagement into measurable changes for the Palestinian people’s betterment,” stated Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, during a debate on the Middle East situation, which coincided with the announcement of the 26-member Board.
Emphasizing the unresolved Palestinian issue as central to Middle East instability, Ambassador Ahmad stressed that decades of Israeli occupation have led to dispossession, repression, and denial of Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Highlighting the second phase of the Peace Plan, including the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, BoP, and Executive Committees, the Pakistani envoy described these as crucial steps. He emphasized these measures should help solidify the ceasefire, ensure a permanent cessation of hostilities, facilitate transitional arrangements, recovery, and reconstruction, scale humanitarian assistance, and prepare for a credible political process toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Ambassador Ahmad also raised concerns over the fragile situation in Gaza, with ongoing ceasefire violations endangering civilian lives. “Increased pressure on international humanitarian organizations, including deregistration measures and restrictions, impedes assistance and protection for the most vulnerable.”
The Pakistani envoy condemned Israel’s attacks on UN premises and UNRWA, especially the demolition of the UN compound in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, arguing these actions undermine stabilization efforts and threaten limited progress. “UNRWA’s operations remain essential and must be safeguarded,” he added.
He noted that Pakistan, alongside other Arab and Islamic countries in the group of 8, has joined the Board of Peace, as endorsed by Security Council resolution 2803. A joint statement by the group’s foreign ministers reiterated their support for peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump.
This statement reaffirmed their commitment to the Peace Board’s mission as a transitional administration, aligning with the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and resolution 2803. It aims to consolidate a permanent ceasefire, support Gaza’s reconstruction, and advance a fair and enduring peace grounded in Palestinian rights, thereby ensuring security and stability in the region.
Ambassador Ahmad expressed hope that under resolution 2803, the BoP will facilitate permanent ceasefire implementation, increase humanitarian aid, progress Gaza reconstruction, and uphold Palestinian self-determination through a credible, time-bound political process that aligns with international law and relevant UN resolutions. This process aims to establish a sovereign, contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
“That is the ultimate goal supported by the international community. Palestinian-led governance and institutional strengthening, emphasizing the Palestinian Authority’s central role, are indispensable in this regard,” the envoy concluded.
