UNITED NATIONS — Pakistan has called for the universal application of international law to resolve long-standing conflicts in Palestine and Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that peace and stability remain unattainable without accountability and justice.
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee in New York, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, condemned the persistent violations of international norms by certain states. He warned that military provocations, unilateral actions, and disregard for treaties threaten global peace and security.
“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in territorial aggrandizement and unilateralism,” the envoy stated during a debate on ‘The Rule of Law at the National and International Level’.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted the decades-long occupations in Palestine and Kashmir, urging the international community to uphold the rule of law and end impunity. He stressed that genuine adherence to legal frameworks is essential for resolving these crises.
Recalling India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan in May, the ambassador described it as a “grave breach of international law” and affirmed Pakistan’s response as a legitimate act of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. He noted that Pakistan’s measured retaliation dismantled India’s attempt to establish a “new normal,” reaffirming the primacy of sovereignty and legal order.
On the situation in Gaza, Ambassador Ahmad condemned Israel’s indiscriminate use of force against civilians, describing it as inhuman and illegal. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the peaceful resolution of disputes, referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2788, adopted unanimously under Pakistan’s presidency earlier this year.
“Security Council resolutions are binding instruments of international law,” he said, “and their consistent implementation is vital to preserving global legal integrity.”
As the UN commemorates its 80th anniversary, the ambassador called for the democratization of international law, advocating for inclusive and equitable norms that reflect the aspirations of all nations.
In closing, Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that strengthening the rule of law is a legacy for future generations — one that can steer the world away from conflict and toward lasting peace, development, and cooperation.
