Pakistan has called for a comprehensive, impartial, and coordinated international strategy to combat terrorism in all its forms while underscoring that state-sponsored violence under foreign occupation must not be ignored. Addressing the United Nations Security Council during a high-level debate on threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to global counterterrorism efforts and urged the international community to adopt a principled approach free from double standards.
In his address, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad emphasized that an effective global response to terrorism must encompass all manifestations of the threat, including acts of state terrorism committed under conditions of foreign occupation. He stressed that selective approaches undermine international peace and weaken collective efforts to eliminate terrorism worldwide.
Referring to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the Permanent Representative stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been denied their internationally recognized right to self-determination for more than seven decades. He noted that the unilateral and illegal measures introduced on 5 August 2019 marked the beginning of a new phase of repression against the Kashmiri people, resulting in severe restrictions on their fundamental rights and freedoms.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stated that the continued presence of more than 900,000 Indian security personnel in the disputed territory and the alleged human rights violations committed against the Kashmiri population constitute one of the gravest examples of state terrorism. He stressed that such actions should not be overlooked by the international community and called for greater international attention to the plight of the Kashmiri people.
Highlighting the principles of international law, the Pakistani envoy underscored that counterterrorism measures should never be misused to suppress the legitimate struggle of peoples living under foreign occupation. He asserted that the international community must distinguish between terrorism and the lawful exercise of the right to self-determination as recognized under the United Nations Charter and relevant international instruments.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad further stressed that terrorism can only be defeated through coordinated global cooperation based on consistency, fairness, and respect for international law. He warned that applying double standards in addressing terrorism weakens the credibility of international counterterrorism mechanisms and hampers collective security efforts.
Turning to regional security, the Permanent Representative expressed concern over the growing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of ensuring that Afghan territory is not used by any terrorist organization or individual to carry out attacks against other countries. He called for sustained international cooperation to address emerging security challenges in the region.
He also underscored the importance of preventing terrorist organizations from gaining access to weapons, financial resources, and logistical support, describing such efforts as an essential pillar of the global counterterrorism strategy. Reiterating that terrorism transcends borders, religions, and nationalities, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad emphasized that it remains a shared threat to all humanity and therefore requires a united international response.
The Pakistani envoy further called for comprehensive reforms to the United Nations sanctions regime and its broader counterterrorism architecture to enhance effectiveness, transparency, and credibility. He urged the international community to ensure that all terrorist organizations posing threats to international peace and security are appropriately designated without discrimination or political considerations.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to international peace and security, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stated that Pakistan will continue to play an active and constructive role in global efforts aimed at eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work with the United Nations and all international partners to strengthen collective action against terrorism while upholding international law, justice, and the fundamental rights of all peoples.
