UNITED NATIONS / ISLAMABAD — In a major diplomatic victory, the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a landmark resolution sponsored by Pakistan, calling for the peaceful settlement of international disputes through dialogue, negotiation, mediation, and other diplomatic means. The adoption reflects Pakistan’s growing leadership role in promoting multilateralism and conflict resolution on the global stage.
Presiding over the UNSC Open Debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s firm belief in the power of diplomacy. This high-level debate marked the first of two signature events hosted by Pakistan in its capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of July.
The unanimously adopted resolution — titled “Strengthening Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” — urges member states to uphold the principles of the UN Charter by using peaceful avenues such as negotiation, arbitration, and judicial settlement to prevent and resolve conflicts. It further encourages enhanced cooperation between regional and subregional organizations and the United Nations.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office hailed the development as a “significant contribution to international peace and security,” emphasizing that the resolution strengthens mechanisms for conflict prevention, dispute resolution, and the practice of preventive diplomacy at all levels.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Peace and Justice
FM Ishaq Dar used the platform to call for a renewed global commitment to peace, stating:
“Multilateralism is not merely a diplomatic convenience; it is the need of the hour. Peaceful settlement of disputes is not just a principle — it is the lifeline of global stability.”
He called attention to unresolved disputes, notably highlighting the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir conflict.
“No cosmetic measures can serve as a substitute for the fundamental and inalienable right to self-determination of the Kashmiris as guaranteed by the relevant UNSC resolutions,” Dar stated.
He also strongly criticized India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming it “illegal, regrettable, and detrimental to the survival of over 240 million Pakistanis.”
Global Solidarity for Gaza
In a powerful humanitarian appeal, FM Dar addressed the dire situation in Gaza:
“We call for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire. Over 58,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been martyred. This horror must end.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed Pakistan’s concerns, calling the devastation in Gaza “unparalleled in recent times,” and praised Pakistan for utilizing its UNSC presidency to champion peace and diplomacy.
“This is needed now more than ever,” Guterres affirmed. “The peaceful resolution of disputes is the lifeline when geopolitical tensions escalate.”
Bilateral Diplomacy on the Sidelines
While in New York, FM Dar is also engaging in a series of high-level bilateral meetings with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Thailand. He is also expected to give a major media interview and attend a reception hosted by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, with key UN ambassadors and senior officials.
BY: The Times Union
