UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has reaffirmed that the credibility of the United Nations hinges on the full and faithful implementation of its resolutions, stressing the need for a dedicated mechanism to monitor their enforcement.
Speaking at a UN General Assembly meeting on the implementation of UN decisions and the revitalization of the Assembly’s work, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, underlined that UN resolutions carry not only moral authority but also legal and political weight, reflecting the collective will of the international community. He said it was essential that these decisions be implemented both in letter and spirit.
Ambassador Asim emphasized that revitalizing the General Assembly is a political process aimed at restoring balance, equality, and democratic participation. Pakistan, he noted, supports efforts to make the Assembly more effective through better agenda management, simplified resolutions, improved reporting, and ensuring concrete follow-up. He added that the real obstacles do not stem from procedural issues, but from the reluctance of some member states to allow the Assembly full use of its Charter-mandated authority.
Highlighting the need to strengthen cooperation between the General Assembly and the Security Council, Ambassador Asim said the Council must report to the Assembly more regularly and comprehensively, especially when acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. He stressed that the Assembly’s role in maintaining international peace and security is broad and complementary to that of the Council. If the Council is unable or unwilling to act, he said, the Assembly is fully empowered under the Charter to fulfill its responsibilities.
He welcomed the continued implementation of Resolution 76/262, which requires the Assembly to convene within ten days of a veto in the Security Council, calling it an important tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and the democratic functioning of the UN system.
Pakistan’s envoy described the General Assembly as the most inclusive platform for developing international law and global norms. He said norm-setting must remain within this universal and collective framework, and while streamlining work is useful, it must not elevate one UN pillar over another since peace and security, development, and human rights are interdependent.
He also underscored the need for coherence between the UN80 initiative and the Assembly revitalization process. Transparent GA–Security Council relations, predictable and adequate resources for the Office of the GA President, and adherence to principles of transparency, inclusivity, gender equality, and fair regional representation in appointing the Secretary-General and heads of UN entities were essential, he added.
Ambassador Asim urged the General Assembly to lead global discussions on emerging challenges such as digital governance, artificial intelligence, outer space, and global commons. Concluding his statement, he said a dynamic and empowered General Assembly is central to strengthening the United Nations in line with its Charter.
