Munir Akram pledges to promote Kashmir’s struggle at UN

NEW YORK: Pledging to promote Pakistan’s national interests at the United Nations, Pakistan Permanent Representative Munir Akram said that his mission was to help advance the struggle of the people of Indian occupied Kashmir for “Azadi” and self-determination.

“I am highly honoured to have been asked to represent Pakistan at the United Nations once more and I am most grateful to the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the Government of Pakistan for their confidence they have reposed in me,” Ambassador Munir Akram said at the UN.

“Pakistan’s central endeavour will be to uphold the security and dignity of our country and to promote legitimate struggle of people of Jammu and Kashmir for ‘Azadi’ and self-determination, while alerting the world to India’s threats against Pakistan,” he said.

“Challenges were always accompanied by opportunities”, referring to threats to Pakistan emanating from the East and the West.

Citing Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address to the United Nations General Assembly, in which he expressed Pakistan’s desire for peace with all its neighbours to realise its priority goal of human and economic development, Ambassador Akram said, “We are facilitating the peace process in Afghanistan and mediating reduction of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.”

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“Pakistan’s objectives at the United Nations encompass a number of important issues: building global and regional security and arms control; strengthening UN peacekeeping; countering Islamophobia; addressing climate change; promoting the Sustainable Development Goals; preventing money laundering and cross border corruption; ensuring equitable reform of the Security Council and strengthening the capacity of United Nations to fulfill its vital functions.” he said,

Expressing gratitude for the messages of felicitations from friends in Pakistan and the welcome extended to him by old friends at the UN, he directed attention towards a “young, capable and enthusiastic team” he has at the mission and the able support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Working together, Insha Allah, we will promote Pakistan’s national interests at the UN and restore our country’s image and role as an influential member of the world body,” Ambassador Akram added.